Mother makes emotional appeal

2 May 2007

BRUSSELS – The parents of missing 18-year-old Annick Van Uytsel talked to the press at the police station in Diest on Tuesday evening. An emotional mother read aloud a letter she has written to her daughter telling how worried the family is.

“We have so many questions about what has happened to you and ask anyone who has seen or heard anything about Annick, her bicycle, or bag to contact the police. You have always been a fighter and we trust that all will turn out well. Dearest Annickje, I love you,” said mother Martine.

The search was set to continue this morning. No helpful information whatsoever turned up on Tuesday. The search will continue in Halen between the exits off the E314 and the centre, police say. 70 police officers and 80 volunteers took part in the search on Tuesday.

The area of the Demer between Aarschot and Diest was also searched on Tuesday, as was part of the waterway. Nothing was found however.

Demderal police chief Pacolet says tips have been regularly coming in with regard to Annick’s disappearance. “We are following up on all of them, but they have not led to anything,” he said.

Subject: Belgian news