In a heart-wrenching case that has perplexed investigators for nearly two decades, the disappearance of seven-year-old Daniel Entwistle from Great Yarmouth on Saturday, May 3, 2003, continues to be a haunting mystery. The May Bank Holiday weekend turned into a nightmare for Daniel’s parents, Paula and David, as their beloved son vanished near his home at Copperfield Ave, sparking a major investigation that involved numerous agencies specialising in search and rescue techniques.
Concerned when Daniel failed to return for tea on that fateful evening, Paula and David immediately sought help from friends and neighbours, and soon, the entire local community rallied around to assist in the search efforts. CCTV footage revealed Daniel’s last known sighting at Blencowes, a local convenience store near his home, at approximately 17.05 that day. Other potential sightings were reported, including one of Daniel playing with a group of boys near the river at Trinity Quay around 15.30.
The discovery of his red BMX bike abandoned near the river close to Trinity Quay in the early hours of the next morning only added to the urgency of the search. Sonar examinations of the riverbed became a crucial aspect of the inquiry. Despite extensive searches, involving countless people and agencies, no trace of Daniel was ever found.
Described as a boy with a height of 3′ 2″, a thin build, light brown cropped short hair, a pale complexion, and a strong Northern accent, Daniel was last seen wearing a blue Adidas T-shirt with striped sleeves and an Adidas motif on the chest, blue tracksuit bottoms, and grey training shoes.
In the years following Daniel’s disappearance, Norfolk Police have conducted over 2,500 lines of inquiry and taken more than 580 statements. They have meticulously searched Great Yarmouth and investigated numerous new leads received in the past years. Yet, Daniel remains a missing person, and the case remains unsolved to this day.
As the investigation continues, Norfolk Police continue to appeal to the public for any new information that could potentially shed light on the mystery surrounding Daniel’s disappearance. The officers remain dedicated to solving this case and bringing closure to the family who have endured years of uncertainty and pain.
Anyone with information related to Daniel Entwistle’s disappearance is urged to contact SIO Andy Guy at 01953 423819 or email [email protected]. Alternatively, individuals can reach out to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. The smallest detail could be the key to solving this case and providing answers to the enduring questions surrounding Daniel’s whereabouts.
