The father of a woman who disappeared almost 20 years ago and lives just yards away from missing mother-of-five Sarah Wellgreen, has told her family to never give up hope.

Phil Kerton’s daughter Louise went missing in July 2001 as she was travelling back from Germany. No trace of her has been found since.

Mr Kerton, now 73, still lives in the home where Louise, 24, grew up, at Lombardes, in New Ash Green, just yards from Miss Wellgreen’s home in Bazes Shaw.

The pensioner spoke exclusively to the Messenger this week and said Miss Wellgreen’s family should never give up hope of some news.

Mr Kerton said: “I’ve always shared posts and news of anyone who has gone missing online so the news spreads.

“I’ve seen the helicopter up searching around and have seen the police vehicles and I know they have radiated the search out to wider areas.

“I remember from the outset when Louise went missing, we didn’t know what to do. You just can’t understand what’s happened.

“People don’t know where to turn or what to do, but Kent Police were very good to my family.

“When Louise went missing, they (police) knocked on neighbours’ doors and carried out inquiries, I bet they are doing the same sort of thing with this investigation.

“In those days, in 2001, there were very few CCTV cameras about but now businesses have them everywhere, people have dashcams in their cars, I am sure some news will eventually come.

“I would tell Miss Wellgreen’s family never to give up hope. Some news will come at some time. Something will be discovered which will explain how this has happened.

“We got help from the Missing People’s charity. It was very helpful and offered emotional and practical support.

"They get in touch with me every year about Louise as she is still on the list and we would still be happy for any news on her, no matter how small, it could be a bit of the jigsaw that fits.”

Searches are continuing for Miss Wellgreen and clothing and daggers found during searches have not been linked to her, say police.

Officers have combed through woodland near Bluewater other villages including Scratchers Lane, in Fawkham, areas of Hartley, Longfield, Dartford town centre and parts of the River Darent in a bid to find clues to her whereabouts.

Miss Wellgreen has now been missing for three weeks after last being seen at her home on Tuesday, October 9.

Her disappearance is being treated as a potential murder investigation.

If anyone has any information they should call Kent Police on 0207 1580011.

For the latest updates see www.kentonline.co.uk.