Murder investigation launched because woman has been missing for five months

Police have launched a murder investigation following the disappearance of a 74-year-old woman who was last seen five months ago. Bedfordshire Police say Annette Smith, of West Wing, Fairfield Park, Stotfold, has not been seen since November.

Police say they are now treating the disappearance as a murder case. Ms Smith was last seen carrying a suitcase and is believed to have gotten into a dark blue or black station wagon with another woman.

Chief Inspector Dale Mepstead, of the Bedfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: “We have thoroughly investigated Annette’s disappearance and based on the information we have, we are now treating this as a murder investigation.

“We believe Annette was last seen on or around November 11, 2023.

“We are appealing to anyone who spoke to or saw Annette in early November to contact us, as well as anyone who may have information about her.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting Operation Broome.