Hampshire Constabulary

You are here: Home → News & Campaigns → Press Releases → Police make arrests over missing person case on the Isle of Wight

Police make arrests over missing person case on the Isle of Wight

Press Releases

Published: 11/05/2011


Police investigating the disappearance of a teenager on the Isle of Wight are taking action in response to information about the case.

Damien Nettles, aged 16, of Woodvale Road, Gurnard, Isle of Wight, went missing on Saturday, November 2, 1996 after a night out with friends.

Hampshire Constabulary’s Major Crime Department is following leads established over the past year about what could have happened to Damien.

Five people were arrested on Tuesday, May 10, 2011 on suspicion of murdering Damien Nettles in 1996. These five suspects are being questioned by detectives at a number of different police stations across the island and Hampshire.

The five people are:

A 44-year-old man from Cowes, Isle of Wight
A 48-year-old man from Sandown, Isle of Wight
A 37-year-old man from Ryde, Isle of Wight
A 50-year-old man from Newport, Isle of Wight
A 39-year-old man from Gravesend, Kent

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Dave Powell said:  “Police remain determined to find and pursue new leads in this unsolved missing person case. A dedicated team of officers from Hampshire Constabulary’s Major Crime Department have been working on information secured during enquiries over the past year.

“The Nettles family has displayed tremendous tenacity and courage in campaigning consistently to encourage witnesses and assistance from the community. There has been an intermittent flow of information since 1996 with people coming forward years after Damien’s disappearance. This suggested there was always the possibility that members of the public had extra knowledge, which could take the investigation forward.

“We also welcome the ongoing support of charities, professional partner agencies, local businesses and the community in reinforcing awareness of the family’s billboard campaign across the island over the past year.

“Although we have sufficient information to make arrests over an allegation of murder in 1996, detectives will keep an open mind about exactly what happened to Damien because a wide range of information has been received over the past 14 years. The body of Damien Nettles has not been located or identified at this time.”

Hampshire Constabulary actions in this case so far include:

● A dedicated team of officers from Hampshire Constabulary’s Major Crime Department continues to work on new information.
● At least 20 pieces of information have been given to police since the 12th anniversary of Damien Nettles’ disappearance on November 2, 2008.
● 790 people have been involved in the investigation (either as investigators, witnesses, or people of interest) since Damien Nettles disappeared on November 2, 1996.
● 214 witness statements have been taken to date since November 2, 1996.
● 1,380 documents have been reviewed and processed.


Copyright © Hampshire Constabulary 2012.

News | Freedom of Information | Complaints | Reporting Crime | Disclaimer