West Midlands Police have issued a fresh appeal for information about Sarjit Kaur Mann, a 20-year-old student from Birmingham who disappeared in the south of France 50 years ago.
Sarjit was last seen in September 1976 while on holiday with her family in Antibes, France. She told her family she wanted to stay behind to spend time with people she had met and visit local museums. Her family returned to the UK, but Sarjit was never seen again.
Renewed appeal on 70th birthday
The renewed appeal was made on Saturday, which would have been Sarjit's 70th birthday. Police are asking anyone with information to come forward.
According to police, a woman Sarjit met called Jane reportedly phoned the family a few days after they returned home, saying Sarjit had drowned, before hanging up.
Police statement
Pc Shaun Reeve, from the West Midlands Police missing person investigation unit, said: "What happened to Sarjit in France remains a mystery and we have always kept an open mind."
He added: "At the time, Sarjit was said to have met a group of young women of a similar age, one of whom was called Jane. We believe Jane called Sarjit's family a few days after they returned home and told them their daughter had drowned before hanging up. Whether this caller was Jane or not, we do not know. The caller was never identified and Sarjit has never been found."
Appeal for information
Reeve continued: "What we are hoping for is that someone who knew Sarjit and her family at the time might be able to help us piece together more about her life around the time she went missing. Even though this was a long time ago, we will never stop investigating any new information we receive as we try to bring some answers, or closure, to Sarjit’s family after nearly 50 years."
West Midlands Police have asked anyone who thinks they can help to call the team on 0121 626 7003.
