A POTENTIAL witness has come forward as detectives continue to search for the truth behind the disappearance of a man almost 30 years ago.

Steven Clark went missing on Monday, December 1992 and a following a cold case review a murder investigation was launched this month.

Cleveland Police appealed for help in solving the mystery and now a woman has passed on information to the detectives.

The woman was out with her family and has reported that Steven passed them as they were walking on the High Street towards Marske square.

The man, believed to be Steven, was walking in the opposite direction towards The Ship Inn and it hadn’t yet got dark.

Mr Clark went missing while out on a family walk on Saltburn promenade.

After seeing the appeal for Steven in 1992 the woman confirmed with her family that it was Steven who they had seen, but did not think it was relevant to the case at that time.

Detective Chief Inspector Shaun Page said: “This is an important development for us because we know that it got dark that day at around 3.45pm and this potential sighting puts Steven in Marske before that time.

“We have carried out a number of searches in the Marske area and these will be continuing. A lot of people knew Steven and I would again appeal for people to come forward with any information, no matter how small or insignificant they think it is.

“I would like to hear from anyone who saw Steven on Christmas bank holiday weekend in 1992, which was Friday, December 24 to Monday 27. You can call the Cleveland and North Yorkshire Cold Case Team directly, or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously.”

Steven's parents, Doris and Charles, who live in Marske, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and have been released on bail pending further investigation.

As part of the new investigation officers have been search the Clark's home and surrounding area.

The Northern Echo: The anonymous letter sent to detectives in 1999The anonymous letter sent to detectives in 1999

Last week, officers appealed for an anonymous letter writer to come forward as they could hold vital clues about the suspected murder of the disabled 23-year-old.

  • Anyone with information can call Cleveland Police on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Information can also be given through the Cleveland Police section of mipp.police.uk