Genette police to interview man

Genette's bike and newspapers were found in the road

Detectives investigating the disappearance of a Devon schoolgirl have said they are travelling to the north of England to interview a man.

Genette Tate disappeared while cycling on her newspaper round in Aylesbeare in August 1978.

The 13-year-old's body has never been found, but it is believed she was abducted and murdered.

Devon and Cornwall Police said a 57-year-old man would be questioned later this week.

Abduction denied

Police have declined to confirm the identity of the interviewee.

Officers have twice interviewed convicted triple child killer Robert Black, 57, about the case.

Scotland-born Black was sentenced to 10 life sentences in 1994 for the abduction and murder of three young girls and the attempted abduction of a 15-year-old.

He has been interviewed by Devon detectives in 1996 and 1998, but on both occasions he denied abducting Genette.

Genette Tate's disappearance is Britain's longest-running missing person inquiry.

She was last seen by two friends in Within Lane, near her home on the afternoon of 19 August, 1978. Her bicycle and papers were found in the road.

A team of 20 officers is still investigating Genette's disappearance.