Charlene Hobbs: Burnt-out car found in search for missing mum - as police release new image
The family of Charlene Hobbs, 35, are "very concerned for her welfare" and "desperate for answers", police say.
Wednesday 11 December 2024 16:44, UK
Police searching for a missing mother from Cardiff have seized a burnt-out car as part of their investigation.
A sighting of Charlene Hobbs, 35, has now been confirmed in the early hours of 24 July at a property in the Adamsdown area of Cardiff.
Officers initially said she was last seen on 19 July, but the latest sighting was confirmed through a photograph verified by police.
Ms Hobbs' hair bun and dragon tattoo can be seen in the image, and she is wearing the same strapless top as the previous day when she was spotted on CCTV at a local Morrisons store.
The new photograph of Ms Hobbs was taken at 6.07am on 24 July, according to police.
Mobile phone analysis indicates that, later that day, she was possibly texting and calling people she knew to meet up with them.
South Wales Police says officers conducted extensive enquiries since Ms Hobbs, from the Riverside area, was first reported missing.
One of the vehicles seized as part of the investigation into Ms Hobbs' disappearance is a Nissan Micra found in St Helen's Close, Abergavenny, on 29 October.
The car was originally red and largely painted black, but was found burnt-out.
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Powell said Ms Hobbs' family were "very concerned for her welfare" and "desperate for answers".
"There are several possible explanations for Charlene's disappearance, and we are keeping an open mind as we do all we can to establish what has happened to her," he added.
Police have appealed for information regarding the calls and messages Ms Hobbs sent, or from anyone who may have met up with her on the evening of 24 July.
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Two men, aged 45 and 43, and a 38-year-old woman, who were arrested in connection with the investigation, have been released on bail pending further enquiries.
The force is asking anyone with information to get in touch with officers, quoting reference 2400353044.