Sussex Police have made headlines recently by offering a £10,000 reward for anyone who can provide information about the disappearance of Daniel and Liam Poole. The father and son duo went missing five years ago during their travels to Malaga, Spain, and since then, their families have endured constant heartache and uncertainty.
Detectives have stated their suspicions about the case, now treating it as murder since 2022. They believe there are people back home who may possess key information necessary to unravel this tragic mystery. Daniel Poole was 46 years old at the time of his disappearance, and his son Liam was only 22. Now, the families eagerly await answers about their loved ones, who would have significant birthdays approaching – Danny's 52nd and Liam's 28th.
The appeal for information has been met with poignant responses from the family. Lauryn Poole, Danny’s daughter and Liam's sister, expressed the daily pain of living without knowing the fate of her father and brother. She said, "Not a day goes by... Every day sees thoughts about what truly happened and what their last moments might have been like. These thoughts often keep me awake at night. I beg and pray for closure."
Her heartfelt plea reflects the depth of their family's sorrow. Lauryn's sentiments resonate with the broader concern of families dealing with inexplicable loss – the dream of closure to replay those old memories, and perhaps build new ones surrounding family moments and celebrations.
On April 1, 2019, Daniel and Liam hired a grey Peugeot 308 vehicle upon landing, which was later found abandoned with their luggage and passports left behind at their hotel. This evidence suggests their disappearance wasn't planned; rather, something unforeseen must have occurred. Detective Chief Inspector Simon Dunn emphasized, "The details matter. Everyone holds unique pieces of the puzzle... even the smallest detail could assist us with providing the answers their families desperately need." This assertion highlights the importance of community involvement; those who may feel reluctant to come forward should reconsider their stance. Police assure anonymity for those with information.
Interestingly, this case isn’t completely isolated from similar stories. Liams' grandmother, Kathy Catney, revealed concerns about Daniel’s past dealings, including worries about potential drug involvement and connections affecting their fate. Before their disappearance, Kathy expressed her belief to the BBC back then, saying, "I do think Liam's died, I think he's been killed. I hope he’s not at the bottom of the sea." DCI Dunn noted the grandmother's uneasy feelings about the circumstances leading to their travels, potentially hinting at them being drawn to dubious dealings.
The police community, now stepping up the investigation, communicates with families regularly, hoping to find leads before it's too late. After taking over primary investigatory responsibility from Spanish authorities, Sussex Police emphasizes seeking protectiveness over pursuing charges, ensuring the families stay during this tough time. Local information channels, including anonymous reports through Crimestoppers, have been activated, allowing community members to contribute to this puzzle. Potential witnesses or anyone with pertinent information can approach the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) or use the designated phone number mentioned during the appeals.
Despite the years gone by, the emotional toll remains acute. The absence of Liam and Danny circulates deeply at family gatherings, breeding grief and loss, now punctuated by missed life milestones. "We constantly remind ourselves of Liam's absence with every family gathering," said Kathy. "Liam's mother passed away without ever knowing what happened to him, and yet we appeal to whoever might know something to speak out for our family to find peace. We must fulfill our obligation as parents to find our children. Nonetheless, we hope for the truth to be revealed—no matter how long it takes."
Dunn and the police coalition understand what weight this loss bears on the family. A healthy community connection can change outcomes; those with information hold the power to influence effectively. The story of Daniel and Liam continues to resonate within their small town, where community status is intertwined with personal lives, laying bare individual losses alongside public responsibilities.
