The search for missing Cheetham Hill mum-of-three Rania Alayed has led to police contacting hundreds of motorists for infomrmation on a campervan thought to be connected with her disappearance on July 2.
Greater Manchester Police investigating her murder are searching a stretch of the A19 near Thirsk after a white campervan travelled from Manchester around the time of her disappearance.
It is believed the vehicle stopped at a layby in the early hours of Saturday June 8, however police are seeking help from the public to find the exact location of the specific layby.
Letters have now been sent to 350 vehicles owners who were travelling on the A19 or A168 between the junctions with the A172 and A1(M) between the hours of 3am and 5am.
Detective Chief Inspector Peter Marsh, of Greater Manchester Police’s Major Incident Team, said: “I cannot begin to imagine the hurt Rania’s family are experiencing knowing she is still missing.
“Since Rania disappeared in June we have been working tirelessly to find her, and will continue to do so.”
The letter asks the driver to contact the investigation team if they have any information concerning this white camper van that police believe was parked in a lay-by on the northbound carriageway during this time.
Police are working closely with North Yorkshire Police and are using specialist military search equipment to help locate her.
Officers are also looking for people who may have been walking in the area and noticed any suspicious activity or unusual areas of ground.
So far two men have been charged with the 25-year-old’s murder.
DCI Marsh said: “I understand there might not be anything unusual about a campervan parked on a layby in the early hours and I recognise it might not have struck you as significant at the time.
“However, we have reason to believe that Rania’s body could be located near to this stretch of road and this is where we have been concentrating our searches.
“The area in question is in excess of 15 miles long and we have a large amount of ground to cover.
“As Rania still remains missing it is crucial that we go to the next stage and publically appeal for information. If you believe you saw Rania after 7pm on June 7, we are keen to hear from you.”
Anyone with information on the movements of this white camper van, should contact the Major Investigation Team on 0161 856 4711.
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