£10k reward offered for information into Sussex father and son's disappearance

Danny and Liam Poole vanished in Spain five years ago

Author: Ryan BurrowsPublished 18th Nov 2024

Detectives investigating the disappearance of a father and son from Burgess Hill in Spain five years ago have issued a £10,000 reward for information which could lead to them being found.

Danny and Liam Poole haven't been seen since travelling to Malaga in 2019.

The pair's passports and luggage were found in their hotel rooms, suggesting this was not a planned disappearance, while a car they hired on arrival in Spain was later found abandoned by police.

Officers have been treating their case as a murder investigation since 2022.

The five-figure reward is being offered by Sussex Police for anyone whose information leads to the arrest and charge of anyone wanted over the pair's disappearance.

The force has taken legal steps to allow their Major Crime Team to lead the investigation, taking over from Spanish police.

Danny, who was 46 at the time of his disappearance, would be due to celebrate his 52nd birthday this week, while Liam, who was 22 when he vanished, would be three weeks away from turning 28.

Police have been treating Danny and Liam Poole's disappearance as a murder case since 2022

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Dunn said:

"Although Danny and Liam went missing in Spain, we believe there are people in the UK who may hold vital information about their disappearance.

"We understand there may be some who have felt unable to come forward before now, but it’s not too late to do the right thing. Whether it’s something you know, or something you may have subsequently heard, we urge you to get in touch and share it with us. We will listen and we will investigate any viable new lines of enquiry.

"You may not appreciate the importance of the information you have, but it could be the piece of the puzzle we need to build the picture of what happened to Danny and Liam. Even the smallest detail could be significant in helping us provide their families with the answers they so desperately need and deserve."

Danny and Liam’s families have been updated, and echoed the force’s calls for anyone with information to come forward.

Lauryn, Danny’s daughter and Liam’s sister, said:

"Not a day goes by that I don’t wonder what life would be like with my dad and brother in it.

"The pride my brother would have in being an uncle or watching my dad be a grandad are just a couple of the things that no daughter or sister should ever be deprived of.

"Every day that goes by sees a thought pop into my head about what truly happened and what their last moments might have been like – these thoughts often keep me awake at night.

"I beg and pray that someone could give me and our family the closure we need to move on from the sleepless nights and that I can give an explanation to my dad and brother’s growing family one day.

"I pray someone will be able to give this to us, no matter how many years and months later it may be.”

Information can passed to police directly via the online Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) or by calling 101 quoting Operation Pheasant.

Those with information can also report anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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