POLICE are to search an area of County Durham today in connection with the disappearance of a man four years ago.

Scott Fletcher was last seen in a lay-by near the former Jet garage on the A181 at Wheatley Hill in County Durham four years ago on Monday, May 11 and police and Scott’s family have made numerous appeals over the years.

Detective Superintendent Jon Green who is leading the investigation into his disappearance said: “As well as searches, I intend to speak again to key witnesses and to revisit what they have previously told us. This could well lead to new lines of inquiry in what is very much an active investigation.

“I firmly believe that there are people out there who know more than they are telling us and who are deliberately withholding information.

“With the passage of time it becomes increasingly likely that Scott has come to serious harm and we are therefore considering whether others could be involved in his disappearance and who they may be.

“I would make a direct appeal to these people. Think of Scott’s family who have the ongoing agony of not knowing what happened to him. They deserve answers and I intend to do all I can to get these answers.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cleveland Police on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.