Police and forensics at Dudley property in connection with missing woman

Police and forensic teams have been carrying out an extensive search at a property on Hall Street, Dudley, with activity at the building continuing for well over a week.

Residents have reported seeing police officers, forensic teams and other specialist services at the property, close to the corner of King Street and opposite the Cousins furniture store. Fire and technical rescue crews, a private ambulance and forensic personnel have also been seen at the scene.

Darren Kirkham, who works nearby but lives in Kingswinford, said the teams have been “in and out” of the building and that officers have been carrying out extensive work inside.

West Midlands Police confirmed the search was in connection with the disappearance of Patricia Lashley, who was last seen in 1998.

A spokesman confirmed the search continues for Patricia and the investigation continues.

Despite the scale of the operation, police have not publicly provided details about exactly what they are looking for at the property.

Patricia, who was known locally as Pat or Jade, was last seen near her home in Hall Street in September 1998. She was, aged 33, at the time and was a mother-of- seven.

Police said Patricia had moved to Dudley in the mid-1990s and was known to frequent the No Limits club and other pubs in the area. She was also known by the names Jade, Vanessa and Tricia and sometimes went by the surname ‘Bradford’.

She had links to London, Newcastle, Wales and Scotland and was described by detectives as being fairly well known in Dudley town centre and in Oldbury.

“Police have been there for well over a week, digging out the interior of the building. They has been fire, technical rescue, a private ambulance and forensics,” Mr Kirkham added.

The activity comes shortly after West Midlands Police charged 66-year-old Trevor Dunkley, of Himley Road, with her murder last month.

Police have said it was understood that Patricia and Dunkley knew one another.

He was charged with murder on July 9 and was remanded in custody to appear at Wolverhampton Crown Court on July 13.

Force detectives have appealed for anyone who knew Patricia or Dunkley to come forward, including those people who may already have spoken to officers when Patricia was first reported missing around 30 years ago.

Det Insp Michelle Cordell said officers wanted to build a clearer picture of Patricia's life at that time and urged anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it might seem to contact them.

Anyone with information about Patricia or her disappearance should contact police on 101, quoting log 3984 of July 7.