A DETECTIVE has pleaded for John Darwin's wife to come home after saying the latest unconfirmed information points to her being somewhere in the USA.
Speaking after he was granted a further 36 hours to interview Mr Darwin at Hartlepool Magistrates', Detective Inspector Andy Greenwood said he was "keen" to speak to Anne, who had been living in Panama.
He said: "I am very keen to speak to Mrs Darwin. My latest information is she is in North America, in the USA. But if Mrs Darwin doesn't want to come and see me then I will seek her out and speak to her in my time."
When asked if he had sent officers to North America, Det Insp Greenwood said: "No, I'm afraid the public purse doesn't stretch to that of the national media in Cleveland Police. So we have to be mindful about how we spend our money."
He added that the police investigation was progressing well and officers were following several lines of inquiry including information from numerous people around the world - from America to mainland Europe.
On Mr Darwin's situation, he said: "It would be fair to say that he is putting forward some sort of explanation. He is giving a form of account.
"This is a complicated and protracted inquiry and I anticipate it going on for some time. We are still keen to speak to people who know the movements of Mr and Mrs Darwin."
He confirmed police are still in contact with the couple's two sons and spoke to them both yesterday.
"They are keeping their heads down because of the publicity and trauma they've been through," added Det Insp Greenwood.
John Darwin appeared in a closed magistrates court unhandcuffed and in casual clothing for half an hour before being taken back to Kirkleatham police station for further questioning.
The police's extension will run until 11.33pm tonight and Det Insp Greenwood confirmed the police can apply for a further 24 hours before releasing or charging Mr Darwin.
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