Appeal for missing Hartlepool man Scott Fletcher 12 years on

The family of missing Hartlepool man Scott Fletcher is working with the charity Missing People to refresh search efforts and plea for any new information on his whereabouts, as his 40th birthday approaches. 

Scott, a father from Hartlepool, was 27 when he was last seen by an acquaintance at about 8.20pm on May 11, 2011, when they dropped him off at a lay-by opposite the Jet garage on the A181 at Wheatley Hill, Durham.

He hasn’t been seen since.

Scott Fletcher (Image: MISSING PEOPLE)

It is believed that he has links to the Durham, Cumbria, and Liverpool areas.

At the time of his disappearance, Scott was described as white, 6ft with a medium build, with blue eyes and short mousey hair. He has a small scar on the centre-right of his head.

Since 2012, the Missing People charity has supported Scott’s family with counselling and publicity support.

The search for Scott has proved emotional and tireless for his family.

In 2015, the enquiry into his disappearance was changed from a missing persons case to a murder investigation, triggering a series of media appeals throughout the years.

A decade on from Scott’s missing day, in September 2021, Cleveland Police and Scott’s mother, Julie Fletcher, made a national appeal on BBC’s Crimewatch, offering a £10,000 reward for any new information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved in Scott’s murder.

Scott went missing near Wheatley Hill in County Durham (Image: MISSING PEOPLE)

In 2022, the Fletcher family were hit with another tragedy when Scott’s father died without getting an answer on his son’s whereabouts.

Last year, Cleveland Police appealed once more on his 39th birthday and again during the Christmas period in the hopes for the family’s pain to end.

In a joint statement with the Police, Scott's mum Julie said: “This nightmare has not ended for them and as they look to their 13th Christmas without Scott, we appeal again for answers from the community.

“Someone must know what happened to Scott and where his body is. I cannot imagine the pain the family have suffered, which is made worse by not knowing where he is.

“For whatever reason, if they feel they can’t come forward, then please speak to Crimestoppers anonymously and help put an end to the pain and suffering which Scott’s family have to endure every day.”

Scott's family are still searching for answers (Image: MISSING PEOPLE)

There have been no significant leads or developments in Scott’s missing investigation.

Missing People’s Publicity Officer, Ndella Senghore, added: “If anyone has any information about Scott’s disappearance, they can contact Missing People’s helpline.

“Scott, if you are reading this, please get in touch. You can call us on 116 000 or email 116000@missingpeople.org.uk. Our service is non-judgemental, confidential, and free thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery. We just want to provide you with the support you need and help you to be safe.

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“Our helpline is here to support people who are missing, thinking of going missing, and for loved ones who are left behind. The helpline is free and confidential and is operated by trained staff and volunteers.

“Sightings and information about any missing person can also be given anonymously through the Missing People website at https://www.missingpeople.org.uk/sightings-and-giving-information-2.

“Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”