52 years after her disappearance, a woman found alive and in good health

British police have just solved one of the longest investigations in history.

Sheila Fox, who disappeared more than 52 years ago, was found safe and sound this Wednesday.

A discovery made possible thanks to an old black and white photo.

This is the end of one of the longest investigations in history. Sheila Fox, who disappeared when she was still a teenager in Coventry, a city in the heart of England, has just reappeared after more than 52 years of absence. Alive and in good health, she was found thanks to a new call for witnesses launched on Sunday December 29 by the local police.

One of the “longest investigations in history”

It all began in 1972. Sheila Fox, a 16-year-old high school student, disappeared overnight. At the time, police in West Midlands, the county where she is from, believed the young woman had run away because of a relationship with an older man. Since then, his family has had no news. Until this umpteenth call for witnesses.

Determined to track him down, local police continued to search for clues to his disappearance. Investigations which allowed him to “locate a photo of Sheila” dating back to the time of his disappearance, as declared by Inspector Jenna Shaw, in charge of unresolved investigations, quoted by the Tutor (new window). It was this poor quality black and white photo that ended half a century of suspense. (new window) In the hours following the broadcast of the call, information from several Internet users allowed investigators to find Sheila Fox. And end this matter with a happy ending.

• Read also

  Do you recognize them? Interpol launches call for witnesses to identify 46 victims of “cold cases”

In the process, agents “were able to speak to her and confirm that she was okay,” »added Inspector Jenna Shaw. The authorities specify that the fifty-year-old, now retired, has started a new life outside her town of origin. Without ever reconnecting with his family. “We are delighted to announce the end of one of the longest missing persons investigations carried out by West Midlands Police” concluded a spokesperson for the local police.