£10,000 reward for information on missing Crawley teenager in 1998

Police fear she may have been murdered

Author: Vanessa BellringerPublished 22nd May 2023

Twenty-five-years after a teenager girl went missing in Sussex - a £10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone linked to her disappearance.

Carmel Fenech, also known as Carmel Pendry, was living in the Broadfield area of Crawley before her last appearance in May 1998.

The 16-year-old was seen with a man at Camberwell Green Magistrates’ Court in South London, and police fear she may have been murdered.

Carmel's mother, Deidre Fenech, said: “My family have been left in limbo for 25 years.

“Not knowing what has happened to my daughter Carmel has had a devastating effect on my physical and mental health.

“We continue to function because we are a very close family and continue to support each other.”

Detectives have been focusing their searches in the North Peckham area of the capital, where she lived before moving to Crawley the year prior to her disappearance.

The teenager had many friends in that area and nearby Brixton and Stockwell.

Detective Inspector Chris Rambour, of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said: “Carmel's disappearance has had widespread media and other publicity over many years, and although no trace of her possible whereabouts has ever been found, her disappearance has not been forgotten.

“We particularly want to identify and speak to the man who Carmel was last seen with on 21 May 1998 as he may be able to provide with information that will assist us with locating her.

“There is currently no description of him, but he clearly knew her.

“Further lines of enquiry in London were identified by recent reviews and we have been working with the Metropolitan Police to examine these and pursue them where possible, although so far they have not led to any significant developments.

“We have also been keeping in touch with Carmel's mother, Deidre, and have fully discussed the case with her. She will be kept informed of any developments.

“Together, we and Deidre hope that this renewed appeal, combined with the enquiries we are still carrying out, will jog memories and consciences in South London.

“The answer is out there and we really want to find out what has happened and help achieve justice and closure for her family, even after all these years.

“We will always examine and wherever possible follow up any other new information that may lead to new lines of enquiry.”

Deidre Fenech added: “A huge part of my life is empty without my daughter Carmel.

“Please if anyone has any information concerning her whereabouts or any other information please let us know so we can finally get an answer. I thank you in advance for your help.”

To qualify for any part of the reward, information must be provided directly to Crimestoppers online or by calling freephone 0800 555 111. You can quote Sussex Operation Icon.

Anyone with information about Carmel can also contact Sussex Police via the national Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP).

Sussex Police can also be contacted at any time, either online or by calling 101, quoting Operation Icon.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.