Birthday plea over missing Sarah

Sarah Benford was 14 when she disappeared four years ago

Police are appealing for fresh information about the murder of Sarah Benford in the week she would have celebrated her 18th birthday.

Sarah, from Kettering, went missing from a children's home in Northampton in April 2000.

Det Chief Insp Charles Moffat said he was certain the community where she lived that year held the answer to her disappearance.

Five people arrested in the inquiry have been released without charge.

"I am convinced that the answers to what became of Sarah still remain within the community in which she lived and mixed in 2000 and that is where we are continuing to prioritise our efforts at the moment," said Mr Moffat.

He said there had been almost 5,000 lines of inquiry but the team had not found Sarah - who would have been 18 on Friday - or found those responsible for what had happened to her.

"Sarah's family have so far been denied the closure that would bring.

"It is vital now that people who may still have information about Sarah's disappearance, her murder or the disposal of her body should take this opportunity to come forward and contact us."