THREE people have been arrested in connection with the suspected murder of a 32-year-old woman who has been missing since December. 

A murder inquiry was launched in January following the disappearance of Natalie Jenkins, from Thornaby, near Stockton.

Two men, aged 40 and 66, have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Meanwhile a woman, aged 65, has been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

All three are in police custody. 

Officers were carrying out searches of properties in the Albert Park area of Middlesbrough today.

The Northern Echo:

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Dimelow

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Dimelow, said: “While these arrests are a significant step forward in our investigation, we are still appealing for information from the public and urge them to come forward to us, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

“We’re very interested in the Albert Park area of Middlesbrough and what happened to Natalie in the early hours of 11th December. 

"We will be conducting some searches today in connection with the arrests in a bid to find Natalie and bring anyone responsible for her murder to justice.

“As always, our thoughts are with Natalie’s family, who have shown such strength in the face of their harrowing ordeal.”

Cleveland Police began searching for Miss Jenkins in December last year, when she was reported missing after not being in touch with family or friends.
 

The Northern Echo:

Sylvia Jenkins, during a police press conference in January

A murder investigation was launched in January, when her mother, Sylvia Jenkins issued an emotional appeal for people to help with inquiries.

Last month, detectives released CCTV footage of Miss Jenkins walking towards Albert Park on Park Road South in Middlesbrough at 23.38pm on December 10.

Police say she walked from Thornaby to Middlesbrough on the night of December 10. 

The CCTV footage showed her wearing a white hat, which she was also wearing in other CCTV footage from earlier in the evening.

Police are continuing to appeal for information from the public, with Crimestoppers offering a £10,000 reward for information that leads to a conviction of the person or persons responsible for Miss Jenkin's murder.

Miss Jenkins is a white female, of very slim build, around 5’5” tall with a fair complexion and straight brown hair. 

She has hazel eyes and a missing front tooth and has a tattoo saying SWANNY on her neck and another on her wrist saying SWANN.