One of Britain's longest missing person cases solved as woman found over 50 years later
One of Britain's longest missing person cases solved as woman found over 50 years later
West Midlands Police
A woman who vanished from Coventry 52 years ago has been found alive and well after West Midlands Police released a single photograph of her.
Sheila Fox, who disappeared in 1972 at age 16, was located within hours of the force publishing her photo on their website and social media last month.
The discovery marks the resolution of one of West Midlands Police's longest-running missing person investigations.
Fox, now 68, has been confirmed to be safe and living in another part of the country.
One of Britain's longest missing person cases solved as woman found over 50 years laterWest Midlands Police
Fox had been living with her parents when she mysteriously disappeared from Coventry city centre in 1972.
At the time, police suspected she may have been in a relationship with an older man.
West Midlands Police kept an open mind about her whereabouts, hoping she might have simply moved away without informing anyone.
The breakthrough came after the force launched a fresh appeal in December, which included a photograph of Fox from around the time of her disappearance.
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The image was discovered after officers searched through every piece of available evidence.
Within hours of publishing the photo, members of the public contacted the police with vital information.
The information quickly led officers to Fox's location, where they were able to confirm her identity and wellbeing.
A West Midlands Police spokesman said: "We are delighted to announce the conclusion of one of West Midlands Police's longest-running missing person investigations."
The force's Cold Case Investigation Team had worked meticulously to uncover new leads in the case.
The successful resolution demonstrates how a single photograph can help solve even decades-old cases.
Detective Sergeant Jenna Shaw from the Cold Case Investigation Team expressed her delight at the discovery.
"We're absolutely delighted to have found Sheila after more than five decades," she said.
Det Sgt Shaw praised her team's thorough investigation, particularly highlighting DC Shaun Reeve's contribution to resolving the case.
"Every missing person has a story, and their families and friends deserve to know what happened to them and, hopefully, be reunited with them," she added.
The force noted that advances in forensic technology and investigative techniques now enable them to pursue fresh leads in long-unsolved cases.
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