A REWARD of up to £10,000 has been offered in a bid to solve the suspected murder of a man who has been missing for nine years.
Crimestoppers is offering the cash to people who can supply information to secure a conviction following Scott Fletchers' disappearance in May 2011.
The father-of-one, who was 27 at the time, has not been seen since May 11, 2011 at around 8.20pm near to a garage on the A181 at Wheatley Hill in Durham.
He left the family home in Hartlepool and was allegedly dropped off in a vehicle by a person known to him in a lay by on the A181 in Durham in order to meet a female.
Detectives launched a murder investigation in December 2015, despite his body not having been found.
Seven people from the Durham area were arrested for conspiracy to murder and later released.
Ruth McNee, regional manager for the North East at the charity, said: “No family should have to be kept in the dark or unable to find some form of closure when a loved one has disappeared in such circumstances.
"Our charity is well aware that for some people, speaking directly to the police or authorities is not an option or they are reluctant to do so for a number of reasons. Maybe loyalties have changed over the years, maybe you’ve had suspicions, but because it was too close to home you have kept quiet.
“Our charity believes in safe communities. We have been taking information about crime anonymous since we began over 32 years ago. That information brings justice to families, helps protect vulnerable children and adults and helps stop crime.
“If you know who was responsible or have information about Scott’s murder, there’s never been a better time to speak up and you may be eligible for a reward.
Speaking on the anniversary of his disappearance, his mother Julie Fletcher said: “Time goes slowly when you are grieving the loss of your child. I need to know where Scott is, it does not get easier.
"The thought that there are people out there who know what we are going through as a family, and simply don’t want to ease our suffering, makes this much more difficult to bear.
“Please, if you are harbouring a secret about Scott, please come forward."
If you have any information about who was responsible for the murder of Scott Fletcher, contact the charity anonymously on freephone 0800 555 111 or by filling in a simple and secure Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
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