Nicola Payne disappearance: Police use new forensics

Nicola Payne was last seen on 14 December 1991

New forensic tests could provide a "breakthrough" in the 22-year investigation into the disappearance of Coventry mum Nicola Payne, say police.

A number of items recovered during the inquiry have been sent for up-to-date forensic testing.

Miss Payne, 18, was last seen in the Henley Green area of the city on 14 December 1991.

Her parents, John and Marilyn Payne, said they were waiting for test results and hoping for "closure".

Miss Payne had a six-month-old baby at the time of her disappearance.

Det Insp Martin Slevin, from West Midlands Police, said: "Over the past year we have gone right back to the start of the investigation and reviewed every piece of information that has come into the inquiry.

"The latest developments are exciting and we will not give up exploring every opportunity to solve this case."

Police will not confirm the nature of the material being tested and will not say whether items are newly discovered.

Police want to know more about two men seen near a blue Ford Capri like this one

A statement said "cutting edge forensic techniques" would be used and experts in DNA and palynology (the study of pollen) were being consulted.

Police have also re-issued an appeal for sightings of two white men seen near a blue Ford Capri parked by Cardinal Wiseman school playing fields.

In January police said an appeal for information had provided 25 new leads.

No-one has ever been charged in connection with the case.