Nicola Payne: New search in historic country park

Police investigating the disappearance of a young mother in 1991 are searching a country park after receiving "credible" new information.

West Midlands Police said 'nothing of relevance' to the suspected abduction and murder of Nicola Payne has been found during several weeks of inquiries at Coventry's Coombe Abbey Country Park.

A lake at the 500-acre site was searched by police in April last year as part of an investigation into Ms Payne's disappearance.

The ongoing police operation has been supported by scientists from various fields and has seen searches involving cadaver dogs.

Detective Chief Inspector Martin Slevin, who is leading the inquiry, said:

Ms Payne's family has been kept fully updated throughout the latest searches.

Mr Slevin added:

Miss Payne, then aged 18, was last seen as she walked to her parents' home across waste ground in Wood End, Coventry, on December 14 1991.

Two men, both aged 51, were cleared of murdering her after a trial at Birmingham Crown Court last November.