Appeal To Find Missing Cheshire Man Who Vanished In Crete
Police searching for a missing Cheshire man have launched a new appeal for information 10 years after he vanished on holiday in Crete. Steven Cook from Sandbach was 20 when he disappeared in Malia. Officers have released an updated image of how Steven might look now.
He was last seen outside a pub in the resort asking for directions to his hotel and was en-route back to his hotel - the Hotel Frixos - when he went missing. Steven, from Sandbach, had travelled to the Greek Island with friends.
Despite numerous enquiries by the Greek authorities at the time of his disappearance Steven’s whereabouts has never been established.
As part of their renewed appeal officers have issued an updated image of how Steven might look now – aged 30.
DI Gary McIntyre, from the force’s Major Investigation Team, said: “Someone out there must have some information about Steven in relation to his disappearance, his whereabouts or his movements since 2005 - and we are urging them to come forward and speak to us. At a time of year when many Brits are heading abroad we are asking holidaymakers to keep their eyes peeled and to let us know of any potential sightings of Steven – or any information, which could assist in the search for him.”
A file on Steven’s disappearance is maintained by the force and will not be closed until information is received which confirms what has happened to him.
Earlier this year DI McIntyre took over the case file after the original lead investigation officer retired. He was involved in the initial investigations into Steven’s disappearance and travelled to Crete at the time to help progress them.
Now he has taken over the case DI McIntyre is carrying out a full review to ensure that he is fully sighted on all aspects of it.
DI McIntyre added: “I remember this case well – and am in the process of going back through the case files to review them. I am maintaining regular contact with the Cook family and support them in their quest to find their son. This has been a long and difficult period for all the family and I hope that a fresh appeal will help to generate some new information.
“We are in contact with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office to promote effective liaison between the Greek and British authorities and we continually appeal to anyone who may have any information relevant to Steven's disappearance or who could in any way assist the Greek Police to ascertain what happened to Steven to contact Cheshire Police on 101.”
The family has released a statement to coincide with the anniversary. It said: “We never expected that our much loved son, brother and uncle would go on his first holiday without family and not come back. During the past 10 years our love for him and hope that one day he will be back home with us has never diminished. Since then every day has been a battle to find him - a battle that we will never give up.
“Steven has new nieces, nephews and family that are yet to meet him but have heard all about what a brilliant, fun and loving person he is. We hope and pray that people going to any of the Greek islands keep an eye out for him, or share any information that they may find. Even if it's just checking your holiday photos, he may be in them.
“We have had lots of potential sightings over the years but never any concrete evidence. Please help us to reunite our family so that we can all laugh and smile together again.”
A reward of 7,000 euros is also being offered by Steven’s family for any information that leads to finding him.