Mixed emotions as search called off for missing Natalie Putt
The family of a Dudley teenager, who went missing almost a decade ago, have spoken of "mixed emotions" as a fresh search in connection with her disappearance was called off by police.
Specialist officers carried out an extensive search of land off the A449 Stourbridge Road, in Himley, after receiving new information regarding the disappearance of Natalie Putt.
But after nearly three days of investigations, including land at the site being dug up, police yesterday called off the search after nothing significant was found. Natalie's half-sister Rebecca Coggins today said it had been "a rollercoaster of emotion" as they waited to hear for any news.
"In one way the search being called off is disappointing because it means we are no further forward in finding out what happened to Natalie," she said. "But, in another way, it is a massive relief because it means there is still hope. It really is a case of mixed emotions.
"It has been so very hard and after this it means going back to square one and being no further forward in knowing what happened to her.
"But we still have hope and will never give up searching for her."
Mother-of-one Natalie was aged 17 when she went missing in September 2003 and had only recently given birth to her son Rhys. She was last seen walking to her local shop.
Despite a nationwide search, poster campaigns and appeals on Crimewatch she was never found. It is believed Natalie, of Thornleigh, Lower Gornal, rented the field in Himley, where the search has been carried out, to keep two horses.
Superintendent Andy Parsons, of Dudley Police, said the missing person investigation into Natalie would always remain open.
