Detectives investigating the disappearance of a woman during a family holiday to France 50 years ago have issued a fresh appeal for information. Sarjit Kaur Mann was 20 when she was last seen in September 1976, having been on holiday with her family in Antibes in the south of France.
Renewed appeal on her 70th birthday
Officers issued the renewed appeal on Saturday, which would have been her 70th birthday, pleading for any information that might help shed light on her disappearance. Sarjit, who was studying at the University of Birmingham, asked to stay behind when her relatives went home, saying she wanted to spend time with people she had met and visit some of the local museums. But while her family returned to Britain, Sarjit was never seen again.
The mysterious phone call
Police said a woman Sarjit met, called Jane, is said to have phoned the family a few days after they returned home, saying Sarjit had drowned, before hanging up. 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.'
'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 added: '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.'
Anyone who thinks they can help is asked to call the team directly on 0121 626 7003.
