MEMBERS of a murder investigation team have been scouring a school playing field in the search for answers surrounding the disappearance of man almost 30 years ago.

Steven Clark's parents were arrested on suspicion of murder following a cold-case review.

Cleveland Police set up its operational base for the search in the grounds of a school opposite the family home in Marske.

Detectives are also calling for an anonymous letter writer to come forward as they could hold vital clues about the suspected murder of the disabled 23-year-old who went missing in December 1992 during a family walk.

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."

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.

Earlier this week the force said it had arrested two people in connection with the cold-case review.

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 missing persons report from the time said that he was last seen going into the gents' toilets on Saltburn promenade, 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."