Detective Sergeant Paul Davis of Cheshire Constabulary's Major Investigation Team describes the disappearance of Ron Ellis as the most difficult case he has ever worked on. "I never had a case with so little leads. It is just bizarre. He has gone missing without a trace," he says.
The disappearance
Ron, from Bolton, was a popular figure in Manchester's Gay Village and Blackpool, known for his drag persona Fanny Allcock. On April 30, 2010, he spent part of the afternoon in the Village with a friend, belatedly celebrating his 32nd birthday. Between 2pm and 3pm, he caught a train from Piccadilly Station to Northwich, arriving about an hour later. He then returned to the gay sauna he managed with his partner, Sauna Sauna on Winnington Lane, which his partner owned at the time.
Over that Bank Holiday weekend, Ron did a shift at the sauna. It is believed he left the premises in the early hours of May 3. He has not been seen for 16 years, and there is no trace of him. Police have concluded Ron is dead, but how he met his end remains unclear.
Key clue and challenges
DS Davis believes a "heated one way" telephone call Ron had over the Bank Holiday is significant. However, dated CCTV and telecoms technology have provided no clues, leaving police reliant on old-school detective work. They face a major bridge of trust to build, as many potential witnesses were and are clients at the sauna, which serves as a safe refuge for men who may lead double lives.
"We have been told just before he went missing he had a one way conversation on his mobile phone at the sauna," says DS Davis. "But we don't know who that was with. We have never traced that person. It is unusual he has had this type of conversation late in the evening and then gone missing."
Family's plea
Ron was not reported missing until two months after he vanished. His childhood friend Karen became worried after trying to wish him a happy birthday and getting no reply. She believes Ron would never have left his disabled brother, Andrew, without speaking to him first. "He would not have done that to Andrew, he was very fond of his brother," she says.
"I and his friends do think something is being covered up. It is mystery. You don't just get up in the middle of the night and disappear. I hope someone comes forward because if something has been done to him he deserves justice. I am passionate about that."
So far, no one has been arrested in connection with the case. DS Davis says police can offer security to the LGBTQ community that they will be dealt with in confidence, with integrity, and anonymously if necessary.
