Nicola Payne: Parents speak of heartbreak on 25th anniversary of daughter's disappearance

Marilyn and John Payne, both now aged 71, last saw their daughter in December 1991, and despite numerous police investigations and searches over the past 25 years, Nicola remains missing.

They still do not know what happened to Nicola, who disappeared while walking across waste ground to her parents' home in Coventry. Police believe the 18-year-old was abducted and killed.

Nicola's parents John and Marilyn said: "Twenty-five years has been such a long time without Nicola - our hearts are broken.

"Nicola was a beautiful daughter and a loving mother to Owen and sister to four older brothers.

"She was also a much-loved niece and cousin and had many friends. She would never have left her baby.

"Over the years we have made many searches along with both friends and strangers in the community who have supported us."

Her family have released some previously unseen photographs from when Nicola was younger.

Marilyn, added: "When Nickie went missing, she was young mother just about to move into her own home with Jason and Owen.

"But before this she was our little girl and our hearts break when we look back at family photos, remembering her in so many ways.

"We will never give up hope of finding Nicola and putting an end to our suffering.

"We want closure and to be able lay our daughter to rest before we leave this life ourselves.

"We are extremely grateful for the interest and support we have encountered from the community over the last 25 years.

"We ask that if anyone has any information, no matter how small or insignificant they think it is, they do the right thing and contact the police."

Police have also vowed never to give up their quest to find for Nicola or bring the people they believe abducted and killed her to justice.

Last month searches took place once again around Coombe Abbey following new information coming to light and senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Martin Slevin, says he still believes someone may hold vital information as to where Nicola is.

He said: "Although nothing of relevance has been found in the searches at this stage, officers will continue to act upon any new information to find what happened to Nicola and bring those responsible for her abduction and murder to justice.

"December this year sees a quarter of a century passing since Nicola disappeared, but the information that brought us to these most recent searches demonstrates that there are still people out there with vital information that may assist.

"I would urge anyone who has yet to contact us to come forward and let us assess the value of the information you hold. It may be the piece of the jigsaw we are seeking.

He added: "Following the result of a criminal trial, where two men were acquitted of Nicola's murder, West Midlands Police began a review of the investigation.

"We remain as committed as ever to achieving justice for Nicola, her family and the wider community and vow to pursue those responsible for Nicola's death to ensure this takes place.

"Our priority at this time remains to locate Nicola's remains so that she may finally be laid to rest and give her family some closure. We appeal for anyone with any information regarding this, who have not previously contacted us to do so.

"I would like to remind the local community that a £10,000 reward still exists for information leading to locating Nicola."

Anyone with information about Nicola's disappearance should contact the investigation team on 101 or call Crimestoppers, confidentially on 0800 555 111.