Man "helping police" over Eve

Eve Askew

POLICE are using ground-penetrating radar and Federal Police search dogs in a renewed effort to solve the 20-year mystery of the disappearance of Eve Askew from her Derwent Valley home. Investigators swarmed on three upper Derwent Valley properties this morning and expect to be on scene for the rest of the week.

Police have taken a local man into custody and say he was known to Eve. The latest investigation is said to have been the result of information received following an appeal late last year. A reward remains available.

See the Mercury for updates. Other reports: news.com.au, ABC News.

Tasmania Police media release
Tasmania Police is today conducting a number of searches for evidence in relation to the disappearance in 1991 of Eve Askew. Police have seized properties at:

• Uxbridge Rd, Bushy Park
• Property, workshop and house at Gordon River Rd, Karanja

The searches are one part of an investigation plan and is not the end state but one of a number of police actions. Investigators are determined to find evidence to:

• Prosecute the principal offender or offenders in the death
• Prosecute those persons who have assisted in the concealing of evidence that relates to the death

Police are seeking information from anyone who may have any knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Eve Askew. There is a direct line to investigators on 0418 589 544. There is a reward of up to $100,000 for relevant information that results in the conviction of an offender in relation to the disappearance.

Background: Eve Askew was last seen alive 20 years ago, on or about 16 November 1991, at her family home in Fitzgerald. Eve was living with her mum and dad and her three siblings. She was reported missing during the afternoon of 17 November 1991.

Eve was born in New South Wales and moved to Tasmania with her family in January of 1989. Eve was 14 years old when she went missing. Eve was a Grade 8 student at Glenora District High School.

Eve’s family describe her as being a shy and reserved person who did not interact with people easily, she would avoid meeting new people if she could. At the time of Eve’s disappearance she was 157cm tall, of slim build, she had red hair and was of fair complexion with freckles.

At the time of being reported missing her family indicated that she was wearing a distinctive tracksuit. Investigations at that time included a series of extensive searches being conducted in the vicinity of the family residence and interviewing known friends and associates.

No further evidence as to the fate of Eve was discovered and she has not been seen nor heard from by any person since. Police conducted further investigations into Eve’s disappearance in 2001, however, those enquiries failed to resolve this matter.