Missing Nuneaton woman’s dad plea for information as search continues

The dad of a missing Nuneaton woman has made a heartfelt plea for anyone with information about her disappearance to come forward.

Katie Love was reported missing at the end of February, and the investigation remains with our major crime team.

In recent months, specially trained officers have carried out searches, reviewed hundreds of hours of CCTV footage and we’ve spoken with Katie’s friends and family to try and understand more about what might have happened.

Despite the time that’s passed, Katie’s dad says he remains hopeful answers can be found.

“No matter how old she gets, Katie will always be my little girl, and I miss her every day she’s not here.

"The house just feels different. It’s quieter and there’s an emptiness where she should be.”

Recalling how his daughter grew up with a passion for animals that resulted in her working in kennels, the fact she left behind her three cats – Melly, Shelly and Badger – is what first alerted him to her disappearance.

He said: “She adores those cats and I know she wouldn’t have left them without good reason. She’s always been a caring person, and you could see that from the way she looks after them.

“She’s always been so strong, so affectionate and so loving – with Katie what you see is what you get.

"She might be fiercely independent and live life on her own terms, but she’s always there when you need her and she’s got so much love to give.”

Her dad spoke of how Katie’s absence is not only felt in the silence at home but in everyday routines that no longer exist.

The 48-year-old would regularly stop by to chat and was the first to support him in times of illness with hospital visits or helping at home.

And while her life has had its challenges, he maintains they don’t define who Katie is as a person.

“Even with everything going on in her life, she was always there when it mattered. That’s the Katie I know and love,” he said.

“I remember when she was younger, she dreamed of having a sports car so when I could afford it, I bought her a second-hand one. I can still picture her driving, the wind in her hair, just looking happy. Those are the memories that stay with you.”

But as the weeks have turned into months, he admits the emotional toll has deepened.

He said: “I still feel like she’s going to come back and I think about her constantly.

“The other day, I could have sworn she was standing next to me in the living room, smiling,” he said. “I dream about her all the time, but then you wake up and she’s still not here.”

Now he’s making a direct plea to the community.

“If anyone knows anything, please come forward. Help us find out where she is and what’s happened. Katie’s missed more than words can say and I just want her home...”

If you can help, please share information online: Report | Warwickshire Police or via our online portal: Public Portal referencing incident number 143 of 23 February.

Note to editors
Two men - a 48-year-old and a 49-year-old from Nuneaton – arrested on suspicion of murder have been bailed while a second 49-year-old man from Nuneaton was released under investigation (RUI) in connection with Katie’s disappearance.

Issued: LM, Communications and Engagement