Debbie Steel murder: New appeal for public's help

Deborah Steel was last seen leaving Ely's Royal Standard pub in December 1997

Police have said the 27-year-old case of a missing landlady will not be closed until officers "bring those responsible to justice".

Deborah Steel, from Ely, Cambridgeshire, did not return home after a shift at the city's Royal Standard pub on 27 December, 1997.

The disappearance of the 37-year-old was first treated as a missing persons investigation. It became a murder inquiry in 2014.

Det Sgt Kelly Adams, of the Beds, Cambs and Herts Major Crime Unit, said police were appealing for more information to "help build a bigger picture and secure justice for Debbie".

Police say Debbie Steel's case will not be closed until those responsible for her disappearance have been caught

Despite extensive investigations and three arrests, Ms Steel has never been found and nobody has been charged in connection with her disappearance.

Police said they were keen to speak to anyone who may have information and may not have felt able to come forward at the time.

They would also like to hear from anyone who may have been in the Fore Hill area of the city, or the Royal Standard pub itself, on 27 December 1997.

A bone was recently found in a garden in Ely, but it was not a match for Ms Steel.

Ms Steel's disappearance became a murder inquiry in 2014

Det Sgt Adams added: "However, with this discovery bringing Debbie's case to the fore and the 27th anniversary approaching, we felt it an appropriate time to appeal once again for information.

"Debbie's family are desperate for answers as they continue to grieve for her and have no idea where she is - they want to be able to lay her to rest properly and with dignity.

"We appreciate this event happened nearly 27 years ago, but we believe there are people out there who knew Debbie and may be able to shed some light on what happened to her.

"These people may not have felt comfortable speaking to police at the time, but might feel differently now.

"Justice has been a long time coming for Debbie and her family and I would urge anyone with information to please come forward and share it with us."