AN ANONYMOUS letter writer could hold vital clues about the suspected murder of disabled man Steven Clark, who disappeared from east Cleveland almost 30 years ago.

Detectives are asking the person who penned a nameless letter eight years after Mr Clark's disappearance to come forward and speak to the new investigation team.

The handwritten note was posted to Guisborough Police Station on September 24, 1999.

Detective Chief Inspector Shaun Page, of Cleveland Police, said: “For operational reasons I can’t divulge the contents or topic of the letter, but it was sent through the post and addressed to the incident room at Guisborough Police Station.

“The person who sent it may know more that could help our inquiry team. They obviously felt compelled to write the letter seven years after his disappearance and I would like to hear from them again now."

His parents confirmed that they were both arrested on suspicion of murder but deny any involvement in their son's disappearance.

Charles Clark, his father, said the family was left 'shocked' by the police allegation.

The appeal from Cleveland Police comes as specialist search teams begin scouring the area near Marske-by-the-Sea this morning. Officers are carrying out land searches today in a bid to find Steven.

Detectives from the Cleveland and North Yorkshire Cold Case Unit reopened the case earlier this year. They believe that Steven has come to serious harm and a murder inquiry has been launched.

Two people have been arrested on suspicion of the murder of Steven and remain on police bail pending further investigation.

Steven, who had a pronounced limp following a childhood accident, went missing after a post-Christmas family walk.

The missing persons report from the time said that he was last seen going into the gents' toilets on Saltburn promenade on Monday December 1992, while his mother went into the ladies' loo.

He was not seen coming out of the toilets and did not return home.

DCI Page added: “It’s clear from the response that we have had overall from the public that a lot of people knew Steven from living in Marske. I would like to thank the local community for their cooperation in this investigation so far. We do still want people to come forward and tell us if they knew Steven or if they have any information that would benefit the inquiry.

“They can call us, upload information online, or call Crimestoppers completely anonymously.

“People in the area local to Marske may see us carrying out initial land searches today, and these searches will continue as part of our ongoing investigation.”

  • Anyone with information can use the Cleveland Police section of the Major Incident Public Portal here call Cleveland Police on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.