Police to reinvestigate woman’s 1984 disappearance

Marion Hodge, from Lockerbie, who disappeared nearly 40 years ago, was declared legally dead in 1993.

Police Scotland are to it reinvestigate the disappearance of Marion Hodge in 1984 (Andrew Milligan/PA) (PA Archive)

The disappearance of a woman from Lockerbie is to be reinvestigated after almost 40 years, Police Scotland has said.

Marion Hodge was reported missing in 1984 and subsequently declared legally dead in 1993.

Her body has never been found.

Police announced on Monday the disappearance would be investigated by a dedicated team (Police Scotland/PA)

Police said the mother of two, who was 34 at the time, is understood to have been dropped off in the Whitesands area of Dumfries at 7.30am on July 6 1984.

She was wearing a cream high-necked blouse, grey skirt and black sandals, and was carrying a blue canvas suitcase and brown handbag.

On Monday, Police Scotland said the Unresolved Homicide Investigation Team are appealing for information and will be speaking to previous witnesses in the case to find out what happened to Ms Hodge 37 years ago.

Detective Inspector Stephen McGrath, the senior investigating officer in the case, said: “We understand how devastating it is for loved ones to never know what happened.

“We are trying to get answers for Marion’s family and friends and we’re asking the public for help.

“We’re appealing to anyone who remembers anything unusual leading up to Marion’s disappearance, any sightings in the Whitesands area, or any other relevant information that might help our inquiry.”

She would never have turned her back on her children

Marion Hodge's sister, Frances

Marion’s sister, Frances, also joined calls for people to come forward as she remembered her sister.

“When we were told that she had ‘gone away’, we believed this was uncharacteristic of Marion as she wouldn’t have left in that manner,” she said.

“She would never have turned her back on her children.

“The day Marion disappeared was her son’s 15th birthday. She thought too much of her children and would never have run out on them like that.

“I would appeal to anyone who has any information from that time, or has since remembered anything that might prove to be crucial, to please contact the police.”

– Anyone with information is asked to contact the dedicated inquiry team on 0141 305 4551 or call Police Scotland on 101.