A reward of up to £20,000 is being unveiled today in an bid to help solve the mystery of Luke Durbin’s disappearance in Ipswich in 2006.
It is hoped the substantial sum, which is being put up through independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers, will prick someone’s conscience and will lead to the Hollesley 19-year-old’s family finally discovering what happened to him.
Crimestoppers, Suffolk police, Luke’s mother Nicki Durbin, and the East Anglian Daily Times/Ipswich Star have all contributed to the reward, which is valid for three months.
It will be paid for information passed through Crimestoppers’ 0800 555 111 number or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org, which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for the disappearance and suspected murder of Luke.
Luke disappeared on his way home from Zest nightclub in Princes Street, Ipswich, after going out on the evening of May 11, 2006.
The last positive sighting of the teenager was captured on CCTV as he crossed Dog’s Head Street at around 4am on May 12, heading towards the bus station.
He was reported missing to Suffolk police by his mother, Nicki, on Saturday May 13.
Earlier this year police released CCTV images of a vehicle – thought to be a white Volvo 440 – seen in Orwell Place in Ipswich at 4.09am on Friday, May 12, 2006, just minutes after the last CCTV images of Luke were captured.
Police have completed work around this and have a registration of a similarly described vehicle of M206 LYE, that they are keen to locate.
Enquiries to trace the registered owner have revealed the vehicle is believed to have been on false number plates and police are keen to speak to anyone who may be able to shed light on who owned or had access to a Volvo car bearing this registration in May 2006.
Antonia Litten, Eastern Regional Manager for Crimestoppers, said: “Luke’s disappearance was completely out of character and has been immensely distressing for his family.
“Nine years on it now seems most likely that he has been murdered. It is therefore essential that the perpetrators of this crime should be brought to justice.
“Someone must know what has happened to Luke, and have that crucial piece of information that can solve the mystery of his disappearance, and we hope the reward will provide an incentive to get in touch, to give Luke’s family the answers they need.”
If you have any information regarding the disappearance and murder of Luke Durbin then please contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through our Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
Alternatively you can call Suffolk Constabulary’s Major Investigation Team on 01473 613540.
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