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Police to re-examine unsolved UK murder case after 21 years

Posted on Sep 24, 2021

Police are pursuing new lines of inquiry in a re-investigation of the unsolved murder of a vulnerable woman 21 years ago and hope modern forensic techniques may hold the key.

Vicky Glass, 21, was last seen being dropped off by a taxi driver at 4am on 24 September 2000 in Middlesbrough. Six weeks later, her body was discovered in a stream in the village of Danby, North Yorkshire.

Since then four people have been arrested on suspicion of murder, with all released with no further action taken.

Cleveland police has reviewed the case, and a new team from the historical investigations unit led by DCI Peter Carr is re-investigating. They are seeking potential witnesses and will examine more than 2,000 hours of CCTV footage.

Glass had a happy childhood but aged 18 she was exploited by others who led her into drugs and pressured her into sex work, detectives said. It was while she was doing this on the streets of Middlesbrough that she was murdered, and police remain keen to find out who she had been with on that night.

A website has been launched to appeal for information and put the case back in the spotlight.

A detailed review of the original investigation has been carried out, which identified more than 300 recommendations, including that a reinvestigation should be undertaken, Carr said.

“We believe there are a number of lines of inquiry which can be pursued and by using modern investigative and forensic techniques, we hope to get justice for Vicky and her family.

“We have new and significant lines of inquiry and will be speaking to people connected to the case and trawling through CCTV from the time period to help us with any new leads.

“Vicky was a vulnerable woman who was exploited by men, she was not a sex worker by choice, but forced by circumstance as a young adult. She had her whole life ahead of her, was loved by her family, she did not deserve to die and we will continue to seek justice for her murder.”

Her family said: “We feel the loss of Vicky every day, she deserves justice and hope that this re-investigation puts those responsible behind bars.”

Anyone with information can call the investigation team directly on 01642 301773, Cleveland police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.