Emergency:Police appeal 15 years after Chippenham dad’s disappearance

15 years on from the disappearance of Donavan Van Lill, Wiltshire Police have launched a fresh appeal for information.

The last known sighting of Donavan, who was 29 at the time of his disappearance, was at 1am on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at his home address of 3 Blackthorn Mews, Pewsham in Chippenham.

Police believe that he was at home on a laptop up until around 10am that same day.

However, his colleagues became concerned when he failed to show up for work at the Olympiad Leisure Centre at 2pm.

There was no sign of a disturbance or any evidence of forced entry at his address, and his white Citroen Saxo was found on the drive where he had left it the evening before.

Despite extensive enquiries and numerous appeals for information in the 15 years since, the father-of-two has not been found.

Detective Inspector Debbie Hatch said: “All outstanding missing person cases remain open and are revisited periodically in case new evidence comes to light.

“We remain committed to finding out what happened to Donavan.

“Donavan was a reliable employee, so when he didn’t show up, and his colleagues were unable to reach him on his mobile phone they were immediately concerned.

“He was a physically fit young man, who enjoyed his work and playing rugby for Corsham.

“The previous investigations have not uncovered any reason as to why he would have voluntarily left Chippenham without telling his friends and family of his intentions.

“I believe that the local community of Chippenham holds key information that might help us understand what happened to Donavan and urge anyone with information no matter how small or insignificant you think the information is to speak to us.

“Your information could prove vital to our investigation and help provide Donavan’s family with much needed closure.”

Anyone who has information that could help the investigation is urged to contact the force either via their online Public Portal or by calling 101.

Martin Sugden, a former friend of Donavan’s, was acquitted of murdering the fitness instructor by a jury at Bristol Crown Court following a month-long trial in April 2011.