Sister's appeal over London girl who went missing in 1979

The sister of a girl who went missing in 1979 has said her family "simply wants the truth" as she made an appeal for new information.

Suzanne Lawrence, then aged 14, was with her younger sister, Michelle, when they left home in Harold Hill, east London, according to the Metropolitan Police.

They told their mother they would be staying with friends in Dagenham when they left on 27 July 1979.

Michelle, then aged 13, returned home on 31 July after the pair had an argument.

She told police they had met three boys, aged around 14 to 17, at a fair in Highbury Fields, north London.

The boys, who police believe were from the Highbury or Islington area, took them to a nearby squat, but Michelle was unable to locate the address when she was accompanied by officers.

At the time, police thought Suzanne may have joined a travelling fair, but she was not found.

Police have never closed the case and have released two e-fit images of how Suzanne, who would now be aged 61, may look like in the present day.

'She has never been forgotten'

Her sister Michelle Hooper said: "I was the last member of the family to be with my sister before she disappeared.

"We left home together and for a period we were both trying to survive away from home. Eventually I returned, but Suzanne did not.

"Many years have passed, but not a day goes by without wondering what happened to her.

"Our mother is now elderly and, like me, has lived for decades without knowing what became of her daughter. No family should have to endure such uncertainty for so long.

"If anyone remembers seeing us, helping us, giving us somewhere to stay, or speaking to my sister during those days in the summer of 1979, please come forward. Even the smallest piece of information could be important.

"If my sister is alive, I want her to know that she has never been forgotten. If anyone knows what happened to her, I ask them to do the right thing and speak to the police.

"Our family simply wants the truth and the opportunity to finally understand what happened."

'Three boys may hold vital information'

Suzanne is described as white, with dark brown straight hair, around 5ft 3ins to 5ft 5ins and of slim build.

Police said Suzanne spoke with a "local, Essex accent" and she and her sister are thought to have "experienced a brief period of homelessness".

Officers also called on the three boys to come forward "as they may hold vital information".

Detective Chief Inspector Kam Sodhi added: "We are also particularly interested in hearing from anyone who knew the family, attended school with Suzanne, helped either child, or had any contact with them during the summer of 1979.

"Relationships and circumstances change over time. Information that may once have seemed insignificant could now be vital to finding answers for her family."

(c) Sky News 2026: Sister's appeal over London girl who went missing in 1979