Police launch murder probe into missing woman

Police searching for a 36-year-old woman not seen since July have launched a murder investigation.

South Wales Police said the last confirmed sighting of Charlene Hobbs was a photograph of her taken at a property in Broadway, Adamsdown, Cardiff, at 06:07 BST on 24 July 2024.

The force said officers had spoken to more than 250 people about the disappearance, but no-one could say if she was still alive.

"Several of those we have spoken to believe that she has died but no-one has been able to provide any specific details," said Det Ch Insp Matt Powell.

"We have always been determined to find Charlene alive and return her to her family, but despite a huge number of enquiries we have no proof that Charlene is alive," he added.

Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Ms Hobbs' disappearance.

Det Ch Insp Powell previously called Ms Hobbs a "mother, sister, daughter, and a friend to many".

"I still firmly believe that answers lie in the community, and that someone out there holds key information that will help us find Charlene".

A 45-year-old man arrested in connection with the investigation remains on police bail.

A 43-year-old man and 38-year-old woman were released without charge.

Ms Hobbs has a distinctive dragon tattoo on her back.

The day before the last known photograph of her was taken, she was seen on CCTV in a Morrisons store in Adamsdown.

Her family said: "We still hope that Charlene can be found safe and well".

"We are grateful for the support of Crimestoppers and the reward to help us find her, and hope that this will help people to come forward with information about what has happened to Charlene."