Missing man's family 'still in limbo'

Robert Scott Clive, known as Scott, had moved to Tyneside from Scotland

The family of a man missing for more than 20 years say they are still living "in limbo".

Robert Scott Clive, known as Scott, was last seen on 10 October 2002 following a night out in North Shields, North Tyneside, where he lived having moved from Stranraer, in Scotland, a few months earlier.

A murder investigation was launched despite no body ever being found.

In July this year, a 49-year-old man was arrested in connection with the case and released on bail by Northumbria Police.

Mr Clive, who lived in Prudhoe Terrace and worked as a labourer, was 30 at the time of his disappearance.

He was last seen at the Customs House accommodation in Borough Road and was thought to have been with several other people at the time.

Police were alerted by family members after they had not heard from him in a number of days.

'Missed out on birthdays'

Mr Clive's mother, Tricia Clive, said: "Scott's 20th anniversary was a really big milestone for us. Now two years later we are still in limbo.

"Our family have missed out on all those birthdays and other celebrations that we should have shared with him.

"Please help us to find out what has happened to Scott."

In 2008, it was reported a man matching Mr Clive's description had been seen by the edge of the River Tyne in the early hours of 11 October 2002.

However, his mother says the family "do not believe" he fell into the water.

"There is no concrete proof of this," she said.

"We do believe that there are people who know what happened to Scott and we need them to come forward with this information."

Mr Clive was 5ft 11in (1.8m), of medium build with blue eyes and short, dark brown hair.

Distinguishing marks included a scar through one eyebrow and a skull tattoo on his lower left arm.

Following the arrest in July, Det Insp Mark Atherton said police had "always kept an open mind as to the exact circumstances" surrounding Mr Clive's disappearance "and that remains the case".

The Missing People organisation is appealing for anyone with information to get in touch via their helpline or website.