An appeal for any information related to the 2011 disappearance and suspected murder of a Hartlepool man has been launched. 

Twelve years on from his disappearance, the family of Scott Fletcher and police have renewed their appeal for any information about his suspected murder. 

Scott was last seen on the evening of May 11, 2011, near a Jet garage on the A181 at Wheatley Hill, Durham.

Police believe the then-27-year-old was murdered a short time afterwards, but his body has never been found.

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Cleveland Police initially launched a missing persons investigation before launching a murder investigation in 2015.

Detectives are appealing again for information regarding Scott’s disappearance and murder.

Despite numerous appeals, including a national appeal on BBC’s Crimewatch Live in September 2021, the investigation remains unsolved and Julie Fletcher, Scott’s mum, and his family, still have many unanswered questions.

Deputy Senior Investigating Officer Jim Allen, said: “It’s time that this nightmare was ended for Julie and all of Scott’s family.

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“His murder has taken a horrendous toll on all of them, they live with this every single day, and there are still people out there with the information that we need to help bring those responsible to justice.

“Scott was a father and a family man. I would urge people to ask themselves, had this happened to one of their family members, would they want people to stay silent or help find those responsible?” 

Seven men were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder but they were later released. Officers believe that Scott was killed in the Durham area and his body was concealed shortly afterwards. 

DI Allen added: “We know that Scott had debt and he had links to the criminal fraternity, and this may be linked to his disappearance.

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“I’d make a direct appeal to those within the criminal fraternity who may have information to get in touch with us and help us get justice for Julie and all of Scott’s family. Those with information can call police or Crimestoppers.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Cleveland Police on the non-emergency number 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or go online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Information can also be submitted online here: Public Portal (mipp.police.uk)