Michelle Hooper, sister of Suzanne Lawrence, has issued an emotional appeal for information regarding her sister's disappearance in the summer of 1979. Suzanne, then 14 years old, vanished after telling her mother she and Michelle, then 13, would stay with friends. Michelle returned home five days later, on July 31, after an argument, but Suzanne did not.
According to Michelle's account to the police at the time, the sisters met three boys, aged between 14 and 17, at a fair in Highbury Fields, north London. The boys then led them to a nearby squat. Michelle was unable to locate the squat when she accompanied officers searching for Suzanne.
Police initially considered the possibility that Suzanne may have joined a traveling fair, but subsequent inquiries did not locate her. The case has remained open, and detectives from the Metropolitan Police's East Area Missing Persons Unit have reviewed the case, seeking any information that might clarify what happened to the schoolgirl. They are maintaining an open mind regarding the circumstances of her disappearance and have not ruled out the possibility of foul play.
Detectives have also created two e-fit images depicting how Suzanne might appear now, at age 61. Hooper, who was the last family member to see her sister before she vanished, shared the enduring pain of not knowing. "Many years have passed, but not a day goes by without wondering what happened to her," Hooper stated. "Our mother is now elderly and, like me, has lived for decades without knowing what became of her daughter. No family should have to endure such uncertainty for so long."
She urged anyone who remembers seeing the sisters, offering them help, or speaking with Suzanne during that period in 1979 to come forward, emphasizing that even the smallest piece of information could be crucial. Hooper also addressed her sister directly: "If my sister is alive, I want her to know that she has never been forgotten. If anyone knows what happened to her, I ask them to do the right thing and speak to the police. Our family simply wants the truth and the opportunity to finally understand what happened."
Detective Chief Inspector Kam Sodhi affirmed the police commitment to finding answers. "After they left the family home, Suzanne and her younger sibling are believed to have experienced a brief period of homelessness," Sodhi explained. "During that period, we believe that three boys aged approximately 14 to 17 years, believed to be from the Highbury or Islington area, met the sisters and took them to a local squat."
Sodhi appealed to these individuals, stating, "I believe these individuals may hold vital information about Suzanne's movements after her sister returned home and I would urge them to come forward." The investigation is also seeking information from anyone who knew the family, attended school with Suzanne, or had any contact with the sisters during the summer of 1979. "Someone knows what happened to Suzanne. If you have any information, however small, please contact us," Sodhi added. He also made a direct appeal to Suzanne herself, should she be reading the appeal, to get in touch.
Suzanne is described as a white girl, approximately 5'3" to 5'5" tall, of slim build, with dark brown straight hair and a local Essex accent. Police are asking anyone with information to call 101, quoting reference Op Examen and 01/1106320/24, or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.