“We have missed Damien every day for three decades” – Can you help to unlock the mystery of Damien Nettles’ disappearance in Cowes in 1996?

“We have missed Damien every day for three decades” – Can you help to unlock the mystery of Damien Nettles’ disappearance in Cowes in 1996?

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On behalf of the Nettles family, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary is appealing to anyone who has previously undisclosed information that could help us to establish where Damien is to come forward. After three decades information that you provide could unlock the mystery of his disappearance and provide the answers that his family need.

It’s important to stress that this remains a missing persons enquiry and this appeal has been prompted by the anniversary of Damien’s disappearance, rather than any new information coming to light. We have considered many hypotheses. These enquiries have not taken the investigation any closer to understanding what happened on the night of Damien’s disappearance. He could still be alive or could have been injured or died as a result of an accident. Third-party involvement, murder, or foul play also cannot be ruled out, but we have not at any stage found any evidence to show that Damien fell into the water or that he was murdered.

If you have provided information to us previously and now have additional detail to disclose, or if you have not provided information to our detectives previously, we ask that you now come forward. Information provided to us would need to be factual and verifiable for evidential purposes and must not be based upon rumour or speculation. Any investigation or searches related to new lines of enquiry can only be based on verifiable information as they would require a substantial investment of police time, expertise, and resources.

Damien, 16, was last seen on Saturday, November 2, 1996. He would now be 46-years-old. On the day that he was last seen “Damo”, as he was known by friends had been in Newport shopping for clothes and guitar strings.

At 7:30pm his father dropped him at a friend’s house at Fellows Road in West Cowes. This was the last time his dad saw him. Shortly after Damien and his friend Chris headed for the floating bridge, although on that particular night the bridge was on annual refit and was being replaced by a small launch. They spent several hours in East Cowes, including at a house party on Grange Road, before returning back across the River Medina at around 10:15pm.

In West Cowes the pair spoke to friends before they headed to the Fountain Inn. After having a drink the two boys parted ways at 10:45pm at the junction of Terminus and Granville Roads. Over the next hour Damien was seen at various locations on the High Street and trying to get back into the Fountain.

At 11:40pm he headed to Yorkies chip shop where a security camera recorded him as he was waiting to be served. Ten minutes later Damien was seen at a bus stop on Carvell Lane trying to take a photo with a disposable camera. The final confirmed sighting of Damien was just after midnight as he was eating chips and walked alone along Cowes High Street in the direction of Gurnard and home.

On the night of his disappearance, Damien was described as:

Speaking on behalf of the Nettles family Damien’s mother, Valerie, said: “We have missed Damien every day for three decades. Not knowing what happened to him is the most distressing part because we are left with so many unanswered questions as to what could have befallen him. Speculation and rumours abound, yet we still have no resolution. Nothing makes sense as the boy we know would have had no reason to have run away. Damien was a good kid, a kind and gentle soul, with a brilliant sense of humour and we still chuckle at some amusing memories we hold onto like it was yesterday.

“He had helped his sister study for her A-level in psychology, and he had changed schools so he could also take that option at A-level himself, which was a mature decision to make. He was planning on going to university.

“At the time he went missing Damien had recently changed his hair from the ‘curtains’ style to a much shorter style. He was 6ft 3ins tall, of slim build and was still growing! Damien had a habit of blowing on his thumb like some tennis players do. He had a small scar under his chin. He was a keen musician, playing the guitar and trombone and he and his friends had formed a band. He liked to play computer games, like Mario Bros. He loved going fishing with his dad, brother, and grandad”. 

Detective Inspector Howard Broadribb said: “After so much time has passed, we want to secure answers for Damien’s family so that they can finally know what happened to him. In recent months we’ve reviewed all intelligence we have gathered over the years relating to this case. We have resources on standby to investigate any new information presented to us as a result of this appeal.

“Over the years Operation Ridgewood has involved more than 1,100 people as investigators and in policing roles, witnesses, and people of interest. Fourteen persons of interest have been identified and subsequently eliminated since 1996. Over the years based on intelligence provided to us nine people have been arrested. They were all later released without charge and were not subject to any further action.

“More than 2,500 documents have been reviewed and processed, including 360 witness statements. Search activity has also been undertaken at twenty locations, including in water in the area, by specially trained officers.

"The Nettles family has displayed tremendous tenacity and courage in campaigning consistently to encourage witnesses and assistance from the community. There has been an intermittent flow of information since 1996 with people coming forward years after Damien's disappearance. This suggested there was always the possibility that members of the public had extra knowledge, which could take the investigation forward.

“I’m convinced that someone 

has a piece of information, no matter how small, that could unlock that mystery and progress our investigation. Now is the time to come forward”.

Anyone with new information about Damien or his disappearance can contact Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary by phoning 101 and quoting Operation Ridgewood (44990106843), use the attached QR code or you can submit information here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/44HP020112V29-PO1

Information can be given anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.