On June 27, 1998, Carmel Fenech, who is also known as Carmel Pendry, was reported missing to Sussex Police when she was just 16-years-old and living in Broadfield, Crawley. This Saturday, July 3, is Ms Fenech’s 40th birthday – but police fear she has been murdered and as such enquiries are continuing.

Independent charity Crimestoppers has offered a reward of up to £10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone linked to Ms Fenech’s disappearance.

Police discovered that the missing teen was last seen with a man at Camberwell Green Magistrates Court on May 21, 1998, though she never returned home and was reported missing by her mother the following month.

Enquiries and the general search have focused on the South London area that Ms Fenech and her family come from, as they had lived on the North Peckham Estate before moving to Crawley less than a year before her disappearance.

Ms Fenech had lots of friends in the area, as well as in the nearby regions of Brixton and Stockwell.

Chris Rambour, Detective Inspector of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said: “Carmel’s disappearance has had widespread media and other publicity over many years, and although no trace of her possible whereabouts has ever been found, her disappearance has not been forgotten.

“We particularly want to identify and speak to the man who Carmel was last seen with on 21 May 1998 as he may be able to provide with information that will assist us with locating her. There is currently no description of him but he clearly knew her.

“Further lines of enquiry in London were identified by recent reviews and we have been working with the Metropolitan Police to examine these and pursue them where possible, although so far they have not led to any significant developments.

“We have also been keeping in touch with Carmel’s mother, Deidre, and have fully discussed the case with her. She will be kept informed of any developments.”

The police are hopeful that the reward will renew the search for answers over what happened to Ms Fenech.

Detective Rambour added: ”Together, we and Deidre hope that this renewed appeal, combined with the enquiries we are still carrying out, will jog memories and consciences in South London. The answer is out there and we really want to find out what has happened and help achieve justice and closure for her family, even after all these years.

“We will always examine and wherever possible follow up any other new information that may lead to new lines of enquiry.”

Deidre Fenech, the missing teen’s mother, said: “My family have been left in limbo for 23 years, not knowing what has happened to my daughter Carmel has had a devastating effect on my physical and mental health. We continue to function because we are a very close family and continue to support each other.”

Those with information can contact Crimestoppers either online or by calling freephone 0800 555 111, quoting Sussex Operation Icon.

Anyone with information about Ms Fenech can also contact Sussex Police via the national Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP).