Met Police reopen 1979 disappearance of Suzanne Lawrence, 14, last seen in Highbury
Detectives appeal for witnesses who met the sisters at a Highbury Fields fair or a nearby squat in late July 1979
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The Metropolitan Police have reopened the case of Suzanne Lawrence, who vanished aged 14 after leaving her home in Harold Hill on 27 July 1979. Detectives are appealing for witnesses who met the sisters at a fair on Highbury Fields, Islington, or who helped them during the following days.
Suzanne and her sister Michelle, then 13, told their mother they would stay with friends in Dagenham. Instead, they travelled to central London and spent two nights in a squat after meeting three boys at the fair. Michelle returned home on 31 July; Suzanne never did.
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What police know about the days before Suzanne disappeared
On 27 July 1979, the sisters left Neave Comprehensive School in Harold Hill and took a bus to Romford station. From there, they caught a train to central London. Michelle later recalled walking near Arsenal’s former Highbury Stadium but could not remember where they stayed that night.
The next day, they met three boys aged between 14 and 17 at a fair on Highbury Fields. The boys took them to a squat about 15 minutes’ walk away. The sisters spent two nights there. Michelle returned home on 31 July, expecting Suzanne to follow the next morning. She did not.
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Police were informed on 2 August 1979. At the time, officers thought Suzanne might have joined a travelling fair, but searches found no trace of her. The case has remained open for 45 years.
Who detectives want to hear from
Detective Chief Inspector Kam Sodhi, who is leading the investigation, said the three boys who took the sisters to the squat may hold vital information. He urged them to come forward, even if they believe their knowledge is insignificant.
Police are also appealing for anyone who knew the Lawrence family, attended school with Suzanne, helped either sister, or had contact with them during the summer of 1979. Suzanne was described as a white girl, 5’3” to 5’5” tall, with dark brown straight hair and an Essex accent.
“Our family simply wants the truth and the opportunity to finally understand what happened.”
Michelle Hooper, Suzanne’s sister
Michelle Hooper, now 60, said she thinks about her sister every day. She appealed directly to Suzanne, if she is alive, to know she has not been forgotten. She also asked anyone with information to contact police.
Their mother, Pauline Lawrence, then 38, made a public appeal in 1979. “Suzanne, just come back home and everything will be okay,” she said. “We have not had any arguments. I will not be able to stop worrying until she is back safe and sound.”
How to contact police
Anyone with information can call the Metropolitan Police on 101, quoting reference 01/1106320/24 and Operation Examen. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The Met has released an e-fit image showing how Suzanne may look today, aged 61. Detectives are keeping an open mind about the circumstances of her disappearance, including whether she may have come to harm.
Questions this report answers
+When did Suzanne Lawrence disappear?
Suzanne Lawrence disappeared on 27 July 1979 after leaving her home in Harold Hill with her sister Michelle. She was last seen at a fair on Highbury Fields, Islington, and has not been seen since.
+Who is leading the investigation into Suzanne Lawrence’s disappearance?
Detective Chief Inspector Kam Sodhi of the Metropolitan Police’s East Area Missing Persons Unit is leading the investigation. The police reference number is 01/1106320/24.
+How can someone provide information about Suzanne Lawrence’s disappearance?
Anyone with information can call the Metropolitan Police on 101, quoting reference 01/1106320/24, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Even small details may help the investigation.
+What did Suzanne Lawrence look like when she disappeared?
Suzanne Lawrence was 14 when she disappeared. She was described as a white girl, 5’3” to 5’5” tall, with dark brown straight hair and an Essex accent. Police have released an e-fit of how she may look today, aged 61.
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