Norwich police still hunting answers in five unsolved cases

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 15:18 · Archive

Norwich detectives continue to investigate five unsolved crimes spanning decades, including murders, a disappearance and a violent attack.

Norfolk Constabulary continues to appeal for information in five unsolved crimes that have shocked Norwich over several decades, with detectives still searching for new evidence that could bring answers to victims and their families.

Among the most high-profile cases is the murder of Michelle Bettles, 22, who was last seen in Norwich's red-light district during Easter weekend in March 2002. CCTV captured her walking along St Benedict's Street on the evening of March 28, and witnesses later reported seeing her in the city centre. Her body was discovered two days later in woodland near Scarning, close to Dereham, around 20 miles from where she was last seen. She had been strangled and her killer has never been identified.

Another case remains the disappearance of Kellie Pratt, 28, last seen outside the Rose Inn at the junction of Queen's Road and City Road on June 11, 2000. She was working in the city's red-light area and was reportedly talking on her mobile phone before vanishing. Despite a major investigation involving hundreds of witness statements, neither Kellie nor her phone has ever been found.

Police are also still searching for answers in the assault on Julie Cooper, 28, who was attacked and robbed near Martineau Lane and Europa Way in August 2000, suffering life-changing injuries from a knife or similar weapon. Extensive enquiries, including national television appeals, failed to identify the culprit. Natalie Jane Pearman, 16, was found in a lay-by on Ringland Road in November 1992 after working in Norwich's red-light district; she died from asphyxia.

How it is being reported

• Five unsolved Norwich crime cases that detectives are still investigatingSome of Norwich's most horrific crime cases remain open decades after they shocked the city as detectives still search for new evidence.Norwich Evening News · 30 Oct, 14:55
• Five unsolved Norwich crime cases that detectives are still investigatingSome of Norwich's most horrific crime cases remain open decades after they shocked the city as detectives still search for new evidence.Eastern Daily Press · 30 Oct, 14:55

In this story: Michelle Bettles · Kellie Pratt · Julie Cooper · Natalie Jane Pearman · Norfolk Constabulary · Norwich

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