Family of Isle of Wight teen who went missing 30 years ago urge public to help
"We have missed Damien every day for three decades" say his family
The family of an Isle of Wight teenager who went missing 30 years ago today are urging members of the public to help the investigation with any information.
Damien Nettles, known to those close to him as 'Damo', was 16 when he went missing on Saturday 2nd November, 1996, and the case has never been solved.
As a result of the 30th anniversary of his disappearance, police and his family are urging anyone who may have any information big or small to come forward.
Speaking on behalf of the Nettles family Damien’s mother, Valerie, said: “We have missed Damien every day for three decades.
"Not knowing what happened to him is the most distressing part because we are left with so many unanswered questions as to what could have befallen him.
"Speculation and rumours abound, yet we still have no resolution.
"Nothing makes sense as the boy we know would have had no reason to have run away.
"Damien was a good kid, a kind and gentle soul, with a brilliant sense of humour and we still chuckle at some amusing memories we hold onto like it was yesterday.
“He had helped his sister study for her A-level in psychology, and he had changed schools so he could also take that option at A-level himself, which was a mature decision to make.
"He was planning on going to university."
On the night of his disappearance, Damien was described as:
- White
- Six foot three inches tall
- Slim build
- Short brown hair, shaved at the back
- Brown eyes
- Wearing a black fleece jacket, dark blue jeans, and black boots
Valerie added more about his appearance at the time he went missing.
“At the time he went missing Damien had recently changed his hair from the ‘curtains’ style to a much shorter style.
"He was 6ft 3ins tall, of slim build and was still growing!
"Damien had a habit of blowing on his thumb like some tennis players do.
"He had a small scar under his chin. He was a keen musician, playing the guitar and trombone and he and his friends had formed a band.
"He liked to play computer games, like Mario Bros. He loved going fishing with his dad, brother, and grandad”.
Police say they have considered many hypotheses and the enquiries have not brought them closer to understanding what happened.
They say he could still be alive, and would be 46-years-old, he could have been injured or died as a result of an accident, and third-party involvement, including murder or foul play, cannot be ruled out.
They say they haven't found any evidence to show that Damien fell into the water or that he was murdered.
Detective Inspector Howard Broadribb said: “After so much time has passed, we want to secure answers for Damien’s family so that they can finally know what happened to him.
"In recent months we’ve reviewed all intelligence we have gathered over the years relating to this case.
"We have resources on standby to investigate any new information presented to us as a result of this appeal.
“Over the years Operation Ridgewood has involved more than 1,100 people as investigators and in policing roles, witnesses, and people of interest.
"Fourteen persons of interest have been identified and subsequently eliminated since 1996.
"Over the years based on intelligence provided to us nine people have been arrested.
"They were all later released without charge and were not subject to any further action.
“More than 2,500 documents have been reviewed and processed, including 360 witness statements.
"Search activity has also been undertaken at twenty locations, including in water in the area, by specially trained officers.
"The Nettles family has displayed tremendous tenacity and courage in campaigning consistently to encourage witnesses and assistance from the community.
"There has been an intermittent flow of information since 1996 with people coming forward years after Damien's disappearance.
"This suggested there was always the possibility that members of the public had extra knowledge, which could take the investigation forward.
“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”.
Anyone with new information about Damien or his disappearance can contact Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary by phoning 101 and quoting Operation Ridgewood (44990106843), or you can submit information here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/44HP020112V29-PO1
Information can be given anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.