DETECTIVES are hoping an appeal broadcast to more than one million viewers could help lead to a breakthrough in the investigation into the disappearance of a Middlesbrough woman last year.

Naheed Khan, from Middlesbrough, went missing in early May 2018 and the investigation into her disappearance turned into a suspected murder inquiry earlier this year.

Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Mark Dimelow appeared on BBC One’s Crimewatch Roadshow this morning to renew Cleveland Police’s appeal to help trace Ms Khan.

And the appeal, broadcast live on air across the nation, also incorporated a new lead, which is a phonecall Ms Khan is understood to have made on the same day that her bank account was last accessed.

It is believed she made a phone call from a 'multi-occupancy address' on Borough Road in Middlesbrough at about 2.20am on May 6, 2018.

It was the last time she was seen or heard from and came early in the morning on the day her bank account was last accessed, not far from Borough Road.

Crimestoppers is now offering a reward of up to £10,000 for information which leads to the arrest of conviction of anyone involved in the suspected murder.

Temporary DCI Dimelow said:“The interview on Crimewatch Roadshow was a great opportunity for us to appeal for further information regarding the disappearance of Naheed.

“Over one million viewers tune in to watch the programme and this appeal might reach people who can give us vital information to help us find Naheed and end her family’s suffering.

“We have already carried out thousands of lines of inquiry in a bid to trace Naheed and our dedicated team of officers are continuing to work around the clock.

“We would encourage anyone with information, particularly around early May bank holiday last year, no matter how insignificant they may think it is to contact us. All information is relevant to us.”

The painstaking investigation has included speaking to potential witnesses analysing Naheed’s bank accounts.

Naheed had links to Stockton, Middlesbrough and Thornaby. She is described as Asian, of slim build and around 5ft 6” tall, with long, dark hair.

  • Anyone with information is asked to call Cleveland Police on the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, people can visit https://mipp.police.uk/and provide information direct to the investigation team. Independent charity Crimestoppers is now offering up to £10,000 for information they receive that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the suspected murder of Naheed Khan. Contact Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visitwww.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Timeline of Naheed's last movements

• May 4 2018 potential sighting of Naheed on Linthorpe Road at the junction with Southfield Road and Princes Road between 1am and 1.30am.

• May 4 2018 at 5.33pm Naheed’s bank account was accessed at the Barclays cash machine at Asda Thornaby.

• May 4 2018 potential sighting of Naheed near to the ROAB (Buffs) Club on Wilton Street in Middlesbrough at around 9:30pm.

• May 4 2018 potential witness sighting by a taxi driver picking up a fare on Angle Street going to Wicklow Street in Middlesbrough at around 11:10pm.

• May 6, 2018 at 12:24am Naheed’s bank account was accessed at the Post Office at Park Lane Garage in Middlesbrough.

  • New lead  - May 6, 2018, at 2:20am possible phone call made from a multi-occupancy address on Borough Road (new lead).

•May 6, 2018,  6th May 2018 at 5:04pm Naheed’s bank account was accessed at the cash machine outside Adils Pizzeria at the junction between Marton Road and Southfield Road in Middlesbrough.