POLICE investigating the disappearance of a teenager more than 20 years ago say they believe there are people in Teesside who know what happened to her.

Today would have been Donna Keogh's 40th birthday.

She disappeared in 1998, aged 17.

Despite numerous investigations over the years, she has never been found, and what began as a missing persons inquiry is now being conducted as a murder investigation.

Her family is tormented by questions which remain unanswered to this day.

Detective Superintendent Paula Dewell said: "Donna Keogh was 17 years old when she disappeared in 1998, a beautiful and vibrant girl who was loved deeply by her family and friends.

"Donna would have celebrated her 40th birthday today  but sadly she and her family will never get the chance to recognise this milestone in her life.

"The last 22 years have been torturous for her parents, Brian and Shirley who miss her every day and still have so many unanswered questions about what happened to her."

Donna was last seen in the early hours of Sunday, April 19, 1998 at a house party in Middlesbrough.

It is thought she was murdered 'within a short period of time' after the party.

In 2006, Donna's parents lodged official complaints against Cleveland Police in relation to the inquiry.

A new inquiry was launched in 2016, with hundreds of people interviewed, carrying out thousands of lines of enquiry. 

Det Supt Dewell added: "They have made much progress over the years and remain committed to finding out what happened to Donna and identifying who is responsible for her death.

"The investigation team still believe there are people in Teesside who know what happened to Donna and have evidence about the people who are responsible.

"We would urge anyone with information to search their conscience and come forward to help the investigation.

"You have the opportunity to end her family's torture and bring the offenders to justice."

Anyone who has information should contact Cleveland Police on 101 and say that they have information to help in the Donna Keogh case. To stay anonymous, contact Crimestoppers charity on 0800 500 111.