Police officers searching the Blue Lagoon Nature Reserve, Bletchley in connection with the investigation into the disappearance of Leah Croucher have today (Thursday, October 24) concluded the search.
No items connecting Leah with that location have been found at this time.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Andy Howard said: “We have undertaken an extensive search of the Blue Lagoon nature reserve over the last two weeks using specially trained teams including divers, Police Marine Support Unit, licenced search officers and search dogs. We have also utilised drone technology.
“The search activity has concluded today and I am confident that no items linking Leah to this location have been found.
“The search was undertaken following a report from a member of the public of seeing a hoody matching the grey hoody worn by Leah at that location in late February to early March. This report was received by the investigation team in late September and enquiries were undertaken to assess how and if it was connected to Leah’s disappearance.
“I am aware that there have been comments on social media that are critical of the report only being made recently but it is clear from speaking to the witness that there are genuine reasons why this happened and that they were acting in absolute good faith.
“I am grateful to this person for coming forward and would again urge anybody with information about Leah, no matter how insignificant they think it may be to speak to the police.
“I would like to thank the local community and various clubs that use the nature reserve for their patience and understanding over the last couple of weeks.
“Our response to this report demonstrates our ongoing commitment to find Leah and to provide her family with the answers that they desperately seek. We continue to review, assess and investigate all information that we receive and where it requires further specialist support to progress the investigation we will seek to use it.
“I would like to take this opportunity again to appeal for any information about Leah’s movements both on Friday 15 February after the last sighting of her at 8.16am in Buzzacott Lane, Furzton and the evening before on Thursday 14 February between approximately 6pm and 7.30pm when her whereabouts are still unknown.
“Anyone who believes they have information that could assist us is asked to contact Thames Valley Police by calling 101 and quoting reference 43190049929 or Operation Dawlish.
“Alternatively, information relating to the investigation can be left on the dedicated website https://mipp.police.uk/operation/43H218A55-PO1.”
