Army joins search for Annick

3 May 2007

BRUSSELS – Some 40 soldiers are taking part in the search today for missing 18-year-old girl Annick Van Uytsel. For the fifth day in a row police and volunteers searched the area in Halen on Wednesday.

Half of the total search area of 16 square kilometres has been combed – without any success so far. The soldiers helping in the search come mainly from the training centre in Schaffen.

A crime has still not been ruled out. Everyone in Annick’s family and social circles is being questioned once again. “We want to figure out as much as we can about the girl’s life,” the public prosecution department has said.

The emotional appeal from the girl’s parents on Tuesday did not result in any useful information.

Nothing has been found of the girl, her bicycle or belongings since her disappearance last weekend.

“We are examining every possible trace,” says Mario Creten of the federal police. Any items found in the search area, whether they seem relevant or not, are being taken in for further investigation.

Subject: Belgian news