Hartlepool MP urges military police to continue active search for missing toddler Katrice Lee

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Toddler Katrice Lee disappeared 39 years ago last weekend during a visit to a military supermarket in Paderborn, in what was then West Germany, where her Hartlepool father was stationed.

Richie Lee, who lives in the Stockton Road area of town, has now been summoned to a December meeting with the Royal Military Police (RMP) and fears the inquiry may well be wound down.

The RMP, whose investigation is named Operation Bute, has yet to reply to Mr Lee’s fears.

Hartlepool MP Mike Hill, right, is due to attend a meeting with Richie Lee, left, amid fears that the official investigation into the disappearance of Mr Lee's daughter, Katrice, is to be wound down.

Now Hartlepool Labour MP Mike Hill has voiced his support for his constituent and urged the the RMP to continue investigating “a number of leads”.

Mr Hill, who will accompany Mr Lee to the meeting, said: “While there is no confirmation yet, there is a fear that the case will be closed and I would be hugely disappointed for the family if this proves to be the case.

"There has been a great deal of expenditure spent on Operation Bute and there are still to my knowledge a number of leads to follow and I would expect these leads to be followed up first of all.”

The last known development in the search for Katrice, who vanished from a NAAFI on her second birthday, was in 2019 when a former serviceman was arrested in Swindon in connection with her disappearance and then quickly released without further action.

An age progressed picture of how Katrice Lee may look today.

Former sergeant major and retired postman Mr Lee, 71, believes his daughter was kidnapped by or for a childless couple and could still be alive.

He marked Katrice’s 41st birthday on Saturday, November 28, by lighting a candle for her and has vowed to continue his campaign regardless of any RMP decision.

Future plans include a march by supporters on Downing Street to mark next year’s 40th anniversary.

Mr Lee said: “We still have lovely memories of Katrice which no-one can take away.

A family picture of Katrice Lee not long before her 1981 disappearance.

"I remember coming home from work and seeing her dancing to Super Trouper by ABBA. It was her favourite song and it’s a memory I will always treasure.”

The RMP’s Operation Bute investigation into Katrice’s disappearance can be contacted on 0800 616888.

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