Derek John Cross
Derek Cross in 1996 and as he may look now
Police are making a renewed appeal to find a Leicester man who went missing in Spain 13 years ago.
Derek John Cross, known to his friends as Des or Dosser, was 26 when he travelled to the resort of Benidorm in the Autumn of 1996. He had gone to Spain with three friends who joined 14 others on a trip organised by their local pub, The Sportsman on Western Park, Leicester.
On November 15, 1996, the day before Derek and his friends were due to fly home, they went to the Café Benidorm, a local nightclub. The last confirmed sighting of Derek is in the club at around 2am.
Derek had not appeared by late morning and his friends began looking for him. Later that day they reported him missing to the Spanish police and on November 16, when he still had not appeared, they returned home without him.
Derek was reported missing to Leicestershire Police on November 18 and an investigation into his disappearance was launched. Officers worked closely with the Spanish Police, Interpol and the British Consulate and several lines of enquiry were followed up - all to no avail.
Subsequent reports of sightings have been followed up but there is no evidence that any of them were Derek.
Detective Chief Inspector Chris Redfern, from Leicestershire Constabulary, said: “It is now 13 years since Derek went missing. During this time we have followed up several lines of enquiry and worked closely with the national charity Missing People and Derek’s family to help raise awareness of his case. Unfortunately, we have not been able to trace him.
“People who did not want to come forward at the time of Derek's disappearance, for whatever reason, may now feel able to tell us what they know. If this is the case, we would ask them to contact us.
“A case like this is never closed and any information could help us piece together what has happened to Derek. We would urge anyone with information to get in touch. It is not too late.”
Anyone with any information about Derek's disappearance or whereabouts is asked to contact Leicestershire Constabulary on 0116 222 2222 extensions 0860 or 7156 to leave a message for an officer.
Alternatively, if you have seen Derek or have any news regarding his whereabouts, you can call the 24 hour confidential charity Missing People on Freefone 0500 700 700 or email seensomeone@missingpeople.org.uk
Issued on 18/11/09 at 10:58
Crime reference number: 94:15:11:06
