Murder probe into missing mum, 46
THE disappearance of mother-of-five Sarah Wellgreen is being treated as a “potential murder”, according to police.
The 46-year-old was last seen in the Bazes Shaw area of New Ash Green, Kent, where she lives, on October 9 and she has not been in contact with her family since.
Her car was at her home address and there have been no transactions on her bank or credit cards, Kent Police said.
A man in his 30s was arrested on October 16 and was released on bail pending further inquiries until November 16.
Detective Superintendent Paul Fotheringham said: “We are investigating the disappearance of Sarah.
“It is entirely out of character for her to go missing and, having conducted extensive inquiries and searches, this case is now being treated as a potential murder.
“Sarah has disappeared without a trace, the only item missing from the home is her black iPhone 4.
“Officers have conducted extensive searches in New Ash Green and surrounding rural areas.
“While we continue our investigation and inquiries, I would urge anybody who saw anything suspicious in the New Ash Green area at around the time Sarah went missing, that is overnight from the evening of Tuesday 9 October into the morning of Wednesday 10 October, to contact us.”
In Bazes Shaw an area of woodland was cordoned off and police helicopters could be seen overhead.
Residents said Ms Wellgreen was seen regularly around the Bazes Shaw area with her young children.
One resident said there had been a large police presence in the area and estimated there had been “at least 100” officers around the village alongside local search, with about 200 people volunteering.
Mr Fotheringham said: “We have experts with specialist technology and forensic scientists working with us to try and find Sarah.
“Residents, businesses and landowners in the rural areas around New Ash Green are asked to check their outhouses, and areas surrounding their properties.
“We are particularly interested to hear from anyone with fixed CCTV cameras within a five-mile radius of New Ash Green, whether this is residential or commercial CCTV, to come forward.
“Likewise, anyone who was out on the evening of 9 October to the morning of 10 October in that five-mile area who has dashcam in their vehicle, please contact us.
“Dog walkers and anyone out in rural areas should also call us if they see anything that seems suspicious. If you think you may have seen Sarah or something suspicious but are not sure, please do not hesitate to call and let us know.”
She is white, around 5ft 7in tall, of medium build, with green eyes and straight brown shoulder-length hair.
Information should be provided to Kent Police on 0207 158 0011, freephone 0800 056 0154 quoting 11-0423, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.