Robert Scott Clive vanished at the age of 30 in October 2002 and, despite no body ever being found, Northumbria Police previously confirmed they believe him to be dead
Police searching for a man who vanished more than two decades ago have raided a home to “bring his family answers”.
Robert Scott Clive, known as Scott, disappeared after a night out in North Shields, Tyneside, on October 10, 2002. Although his body has never been found, officers have previously confirmed they believe the then 30-year-old to be dead.
At first, Northumbria Police treated Scott as a missing person but several weeks later a murder probe was launched. As part of their inquiries, Northumbria Police searched a property in Coronation Street, where Scott is known to have visited on the night he went missing, Daily Record reported.
Detective Inspector Mark Atherton, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our thoughts very much continue to be with Scott’s loved ones. They are living without knowing what has happened to him and we want to be able to provide them with the answers they deserve.
“After a review of the information we have, we are focusing our efforts in the Coronation Street area and an address we know he visited on the night he went missing. We are grateful to the current occupant of that premises for their cooperation, and of the wider community as we conduct our enquiries.
“We are also asking anyone who lived in Coronation Street at the time to get in touch, as they may have relevant information without even realising. We would further urge anyone else with information which they believe could assist our enquiries – no matter how small or insignificant they think it may be, to come forward. The details you have could prove key to our investigation.”
Seven people have been arrested in connection with Scott’s disappearance, but no-one was ever charged. In 2008 a witness said they had seen a man matching his description enter the River Tyne the day after his disappearance. The case took a dramatic turn when officers arrested a 49-year-old man on suspicion of murder last year and he remains on bail.
Northumbria Police has appealed to anybody who lived on the street at the time of Scott’s disappearance – regardless of whether they believe they saw him or not – to come forward. Detectives say former residents could hold vital information about the case without even realising.
Northumbria Police has set up a dedicated webpage for people to share information. People are asked to get in touch online at the following link – https://mipp.police.uk/operation/10NP020310B52-PO1 . Alternatively, you can contact Northumbria Police by telephone or social media quoting reference NP-20240703-0398.