Police searches as part of a 20 year old murder investigation are taking place in North Shields
Officers have issued a renewed appeal for information as part of an investigation into the disappearance of a man from North Tyneside.
Robert Scott Clive, known as ‘Scott’, was last seen shortly after 11pm on October 10, 2002, in the Coronation Street area of North Shields.
Scott, originally from Stranraer, was reported missing by concerned family members, and following initial enquiries, a murder investigation was launched. However, his body has never been found.
Police are keeping an open mind as to the exact circumstances surrounding Scott’s disappearance.
Unconfirmed sightings in the early hours of the following morning placed a man matching Scott’s description near the banks of the River Tyne.
Since his disappearance, officers have reviewed hundreds of hours of CCTV footage and spoken to various witnesses as they looked to piece together Scott’s movements on the night he went missing.
In June last year, a 49-year-old man was arrested in connection with the investigation. He has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.
As part of their ongoing investigations, today (Tuesday) officers are conducting searches at an address in Coronation Street in North Shields, while carrying out door-to-door enquiries.
It is known Scott visited this address the evening he went missing.
The current occupant, who moved in after 2002, has been found alternative accommodation in the meantime.
Officers are also making a direct appeal to anybody who lived in this street in 2002 when Scott went missing to come forward. This is regardless of whether they believe they saw Scott on the night – as without realising it they could hold important information.
Detective Inspector Mark Atherton, who is leading on the case, said: “Our thoughts very much continue to be with Scott’s loved ones.
“They are living without knowing what has happened to him and we want to be able to provide them with the answers they deserve.
“After a review of the information we have, we are refocussing our efforts in the Coronation Street area and an address we know he visited on the night he went missing.
“We are grateful to the current occupant of that premises for their cooperation, and that of the wider community as we conduct our enquiries.
“We are also asking anyone who lived in Coronation Street at the time to get in touch – as they may have relevant information without even realising.
“We would further urge anyone else with information which they believe could assist our enquiries – no matter how small or insignificant they think it may be – to come forward.
“The details you have could prove key to our investigation.”
Officers have set-up a dedicated webpage for people to be able to share information. People are asked to get in touch online at the following link - https://mipp.police.uk/operation/10NP020310B52-PO1.
Alternatively, you can contact Northumbria Police by sending a DM on social media, using the live chat function on the website or by visiting https://www.northumbria.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/ quoting reference NP-20240703-0398.
For people unable to contact the police online, they can call 101.
Rayo Premium