Parents of Jack Macleod in new appeal for answers

A photo of Jack released to the public for the first time this week. 48.012.033.leam.nc2

THE parents of Jack Macleod have issued a new appeal to trace a mystery man who responded to a Crimewatch appeal just a month after the teenager was found dead in 2005.

The 17-year-old Warwickshire College student went missing after a night out with friends in Leamington in December 2005 and his body was found a month later in the River Leam, close to where he was last seen alive by a footpath close to the Adelaide Road bridge.

On January 31, 2006, following the broadcast of a Crimewatch appeal over the case, an anonymous man made a call police describe as of “significant interest” but to this day he has never been traced.

In 2009 a manslaughter trial over Jack's death collapsed at Birmingham Crown Court due to a lack of evidence and no one has been convicted of a crime in connection with his death.

But Jack's parents Sheena and Ewan have always maintained they would continue to fight for answers.

They told the Observer: “As a family we just want the truth, whether that be good, bad or indifferent.

“We are realistic, but while there is some hope the truth can still be revealed we have to go along with that.”

Graeme Pallister, crime manager for Warwickshire and West Mercia Police, said no case was ever closed and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

He added: “Warwickshire Police fully recognises that Jack’s family and friends have many unanswered questions in relation to what happened to him back in 2005.

“It is every parent’s worst nightmare to lose a child and we still to this day do not know what happened to Jack.

“One key question which has never been answered remains in relation to a call received following the BBC Crimewatch programme on Tuesday, January 31, 2006.

“One call of significant interest was made to the police by an anonymous male who has, until this day, never been traced.

“I would urge him or indeed anyone who may have any information which they feel may help police to piece together what happened to Jack to contact the force.”

Anyone with any information should contact the Operation Enact investigators on 07920 288248, email OpEnact@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk or anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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