Mum Vanishes on Shopping Trip: 15-Year Mystery Over Coin Purse in Car
Esra Uyrun, a 38-year-old mother, went missing on 23 February 2011 from Clondalkin, Ireland, after popping out to the shops, leaving behind a toddler son and a family in anguish. Her sister, Berna Fiden, now 60 and living in North London, speaks exclusively about the unbearable loss and the baffling details that haunt the case.
A Life Cut Short
Esra was a bubbly, fashion-loving full-time mum who doted on her two-and-a-half-year-old son. Berna recalls, "She was the belle of the ball, making friends with everyone." The family had relocated from London to Ireland for her husband's work years prior, and Esra remained close with Berna, calling often. In February 2011, she was preparing for her mother, Neriman, to visit, planning a restaurant meal and spa day, and was excited during their last phone call.
The Disappearance
On the morning of 23 February, Esra left home at 7:20 am to pick up shopping, a trip that should have taken four minutes. However, CCTV did not capture her car until 7:46 am, raising questions about the delay. She was never seen or heard from again. Police found her car in Bray, a seaside town 30 minutes from home, with her coin purse in the boot—a detail Berna finds odd. Extensive searches by police and the public yielded no trace.
Family's Heartbreak
Berna, who flew out immediately after her brother-in-law's call, says, "It's heartbreaking that her son, now nearly 18, grew up without her." She adds, "I don't care about justice; I just want to find her. If she's passed away, I want to bring her home. Not knowing is torture." Despite hoping for closure, Berna doubts Esra is alive after 15 years, noting it would be unlike her not to call.
Broader Context of Missing Persons
In the UK, someone is reported missing every 90 seconds, with over 170,000 cases annually, including nearly 75,000 children. The Mirror's Missed campaign, backed by Missing People charity, advocates for better support. Factors like mental health, exploitation, or dementia contribute to disappearances, yet there's no clear government strategy. The campaign calls for:
- Publishing a new missing children and adults strategy
- Investing in prevention for at-risk individuals
- Offering support upon return
Many cases go unreported, with race, class, and other factors affecting attention. Berna emphasizes, "I'm trying to carry on. I don't want people to forget my sister." The case remains open, a poignant reminder of the thousands missed each year.
