Missing girl's father helps in murder hunt
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.MATTHEW BRACE
The father of the missing French teenager Celine Figard arrived in Britain yesterday to assist police as fears for his daughter's safety grew.
Bernard Figard, a farmer, will appeal for help from the public today as detectives launch a full-scale murder hunt for the 19-year-old accountancy student who disappeared on Tuesday last week. Celine's mother was too ill to travel and stayed at the family home in central France.
Detectives, who are now working on the basis that Celine has been murdered, have doubled the number of officers involved to more than 100 across three constabularies. A search of undergrowth around the Berkshire motorway service area where she vanished was set to begin at first light this morning.
Detective Superintendent Des Thomas, leading the investigation, said he was gravely concerned for the student's safety. "Celine's father has given us as much information as possible to build up a full background," he said. "He is suffering anguish and fear for his daughter. We will move heaven and earth to find Celine."
Their daughter had been planning to spend Christmas with her cousin at a hotel in the New Forest, Hampshire, where she worked as a waitress last summer.
She had hitch-hiked from Folkestone in Kent and was offered a lift by an English lorry driver at the Chieveley motorway service station on the M4 near Newbury in Berkshire.
Police said the man who picked her up was driving a white Mercedes lorry towing a light grey 38 to 40-ton Thermo King refrigerated trailer. Nothing has been heard of her since and the driver has not come forward.
Det Supt Thomas said: "It is hard to believe the lorry driver has not heard of our appeals but as yet he has not contacted us. There are some very sinister connotations to read into that but there are no reasons why he shouldn't call us if he dropped her off as he said he would."
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments