DAY AFTER CRIMEWATCH

Teddy may be key to disappearance

A missing teddy bear may hold a vital clue to the whereabouts of 19-year-old Jenny Nicholl, whose disappearance is being treated as a murder inquiry.

Jenny, from Richmond, North Yorkshire, vanished on 30 June, 2005, after leaving home as usual in her Rover.

The vehicle was found on a pub car park on the outskirts of the town on 4 July.

Badges Jenny was taking to a friend to have sewn on to the bear were in the car, but the toy was missing, BBC Crimewatch viewers heard on Tuesday.

Investigating officer Det Insp Pete Martin and Ms Nicholl's mother Ann appeared on the programme with a replica of Ms Nicholl's cuddly bear, which is about 10ins tall and had a smart, military-style outfit.

Det Insp Martin said: "It might be that something as apparently trivial as a toy teddy may jog memories.
"Our most important question is this - where is that teddy bear?"

Ms Nicholl has not been seen since June this year.

He said three options presented themselves - the toy might be with Ms Nicholl; the friend who was going to sew the badges might have it; or the people who know where she is might have it, or might have disposed of it.

Since her disappearance, search teams have combed the moorland and forests around Richmond, particularly to the south west of the town near where her car was left at the Holly Hill pub.

The police are also keen to trace other articles belonging to the teenager, including her grey rucksack and Nokia mobile phone.

Det Insp Martin renewed his appeal for anyone who may have information to contact the police.

The Crimewatch appeal produced a number of "helpful" calls, which are being followed up, a police spokesman said.

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