Fresh appeal over disappearance of Damien Nettles on Isle of Wight 30 years ago

Police have renewed their appeal for information about a teenager who vanished from the Isle of Wight exactly 30 years ago, as his family continues its desperate search for answers.

Damien Nettles was just 16 when he disappeared from Cowes on 2 November 1996, after spending an evening with friends.

Now, on the 30th anniversary of his disappearance, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary is urging anyone who may know what happened to Damien to come forward.

His mother, Valerie Nettles, says the family has endured three decades of heartbreak and unanswered questions.

Speaking on behalf of the family, she said: "We have missed Damien every day for three decades."

She described her son as kind, gentle and full of humour, with a passion for music and plans to attend university.

On the evening of Saturday 2 November 1996, Damien had been visiting friends in Cowes.

He spent part of the evening in East Cowes before returning across the River Medina and visiting the Fountain Inn.

At around 10.45pm, he parted company with a friend and was later seen at several locations along Cowes High Street.

CCTV captured him at Yorkies chip shop at approximately 11.40pm.

His final confirmed sighting came shortly after midnight, when he was seen walking alone along Cowes High Street towards Gurnard and home, eating chips.

He has not been seen since.

Damien, who would now be 46, was described as six feet three inches tall, of slim build, with short brown hair and brown eyes.

At the time, he was wearing a black fleece jacket, dark blue jeans and black boots.

The investigation, known as Operation Ridgewood, has involved extensive enquiries over the past three decades.

Detectives have reviewed more than 2,500 documents, including 360 witness statements, and carried out searches at 20 locations.

Nine people have previously been arrested in connection with the investigation, but all were released without charge.

Police stress that Damien's disappearance remains a missing person investigation.

Officers say there is no evidence confirming that he drowned or was murdered, although foul play has not been ruled out.

Detective Inspector Howard Broadribb said investigators had recently reviewed intelligence gathered over the years and were ready to examine any credible new information.

He said: "I'm convinced that someone has a piece of information, no matter how small, that could unlock that mystery and progress our investigation. Now is the time to come forward."

For Damien's family, the passing of three decades has done little to ease the pain of not knowing what happened.

His mother recalled a teenager who loved playing the guitar and trombone, enjoyed fishing with his family and had formed a band with friends.

Police say the latest appeal has been prompted by the anniversary rather than any new breakthrough in the investigation.

They are particularly interested in factual, verifiable information which could help establish Damien's whereabouts or explain the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary on 101, quoting Operation Ridgewood and reference 44990106843.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

After 30 years, Damien's family remains hopeful that someone will finally come forward with the information needed to solve the mystery.

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