'The Christmas present I didn't want' - Dad's reaction as search into missing daughter Katrice Lee is scaled back

Richie Lee, 71, and his family have been campaigning for action and answers from the Ministry of Defence into what happened to Katrice Lee for years.

Katrice vanished from a military supermarket in Paderborn on her second birthday on November 28 in 1981 while Richie was serving with the Army.

Following a virtual meeting with Richie the Royal Military Police confirmed the investigation will now only react to any new lines of inquiry.

Richie, of the Stockton Road area, told the Mail: "If people come forward for example saying they are Katrice or new leads come in they will work on them, but at this point in time they’re not actively working on anything.”

Expressing his disappointment, the former sergeant major and retired postman added: “It was the Christmas present that I didn’t want.

"My argument is it’s a double-edged sword. If the MOD pushed information out on a regular basis then the public would be aware my daughter is still missing then they would have leads to work off.”

Katrice’s family have always believed she was stolen or sold and is still alive somewhere.

Hartlepool MP Mike Hill, who Richie said has been a stalwart throughout, also attended Friday’s meeting.

He says he will continue to do everything in his power to help the family get answers.

Mr Hill said: “I’m completely disappointed with today’s events.

"I believe that Katrice Lee is still out there and I will do everything I can to make sure that future lines of inquiry are followed up by the military.

"We owe it to Richie, Katrice and the rest of the family to pursue the inquiry.”

Provost Marshal (Army) Brigadier Vivienne Buck, Chief Officer of the RMP, said: “It is with huge regret that I have come to the decision to return the investigation into Katrice’s disappearance to a reactive state.

"The investigation has pursued all reasonable lines of enquiry and, despite the best efforts of some of our most experienced investigators, we have been unable to identify what happened to Katrice.

“The case will remain with the Special Investigations Branch Major Inquiry Team, who will take appropriate action should new evidence, intelligence or information be forthcoming in the future.”

Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans Johnny Mercer added: “The Lee family have lived for 39 years without knowing what happened to Katrice and I am truly sorry that we are unable to provide them with answers they so desperately desire.

"However, I am confident that the current investigation has done all it can and that this is the right decision.”

Katrice’s case made headlines across Europe two years ago when investigators dug up a river bank in the search for clues.

And a former serviceman was arrested in Swindon last year but was later released without further action.

Any information about Katrice can be reported to the Major Inquiry Team, SIB Regt RMP, Campion Lines, Bulford, Wiltshire or call 0800 616888.

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