Cleveland Police are renewing their appeal for information regarding the disappearance of Sarah Sisson and her son, Harvey Belshaw, who were last seen eight years ago when they travelled from Dover to Calais. The mother and her 12-year-old son, originally from Whale Hill, Middlesbrough, have not been in contact with family or friends since October 2016.
On Saturday, 8 October 2016, Sarah Sisson, then 37, drove her black Renault Megane onto a ferry departing from Dover to Calais. She and Harvey were reported missing by her brother on 24 October 2016 after no communication was made following their departure.
Detectives have been working closely with French authorities, reviewing CCTV footage and speaking with relatives and friends over the past eight years in an effort to locate the pair. Cleveland Police have indicated that Ms. Sisson and her son may have connections to other countries, including Spain, Gibraltar, and Germany.
At the time of their disappearance, Sarah Sisson was described as being of large build with long blonde hair. Harvey, then 12, was around five feet tall, of slim build, and had fair hair styled long on top.
Detective Inspector Matt Hollingsworth, leading the investigation, said: “Since Sarah and Harvey were reported missing, we have continued to review any new information that has come to light. Now, eight years on, Sarah and Harvey’s family and friends still don’t know their whereabouts, and it remains out of character for them to have not made contact.”
DI Hollingsworth added, “I would like to appeal to anyone out there who may hold information, no matter how small, on where Sarah and Harvey might be, to come forward and speak to us. It is never too late to provide information, and if anyone prefers to remain anonymous, they can contact Crimestoppers.”
Ms. Sisson’s brother, David, expressed the emotional toll the disappearance has taken on the family: “Sarah and Harvey continue to be on our minds every single day. All of us have missed out on so many life experiences throughout the eight years, especially Harvey going from a boy to a man. To say how worried we are as a family is an understatement. However, we hold onto hope and keep looking forward because that’s all we can do. To see them both safe and sound after eight long years would be a dream come true.”
Cleveland Police urge anyone with information to call 101 or visit their website. Anonymous reports can be made through Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
