The brother of missing Royston author Helen Bailey read out a heartfelt statement from the family urging anyone with information about her disappearance to come forward.
Today marks the month since she went missing from her Royston home, when she was last spotted walking her miniature daschund Boris on the Heath.
At a press conference earlier today at Hitchin Police Station, her brother John Bailey said: “I can’t believe it’s been a month since my sister Helen disappeared. As you can imagine, it’s been an extremely difficult time for our family.
“The more time passes since she was last seen, the more concerned we have become. As you know there is little information for police to work on. We are all so worried. If you have any information, I would urge you to call the police.
“I would also ask Helen, if you see or read this appeal, please let someone know you are OK. I know you said you wanted some time and space, and we don’t want to intrude on that – but all we need is for some information that you are OK. Even if that comes from someone you know and trust.”
Chief Insp Wheatley, who is leading investigations into her disappearance, said the case was completely ‘perplexing’ as there is so little information. Police are not convinced a possible sighting of Helen in Weston the day after she disappeared was her as, although she had a green jacket like the one described by the witness, it was later found in her home.
Helen, who police believed disappeared with her handbag containing her phone, but has not used it since, may have had access to a significant sum of money, but it is unclear how much. She has not used any bank cards since.
Chief Insp Wheatley said: “It is not believed a third party is involved due to the work that she does. She spoke about how easy it would be to make herself disappear. It’s perplexing. We believe that Helen has taken her handbag and phone. We know she used the train sometimes and wasn’t a great fan of driving. There is no CCTV footage of her around Royston. The last sighting was very close to her home address on the Monday afternoon.”
Chief Insp Wheatley also confirmed that it was her partner Ian Stewart who found the note saying she needed space and would be going to their home in Broadstairs in Kent. He granted her that space, then days later went to Broadstairs and found no trace of her. He then contacted police on the Friday.
There are currently 10 officers dedicated to the case, who will continue to search through CCTV footage and speak to more friends of the ‘gregarious’ author, Chief Insp Wheatley confirmed.
If you have any information on her whereabouts, contact police on 101.
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