Detectives reinvestigating the murder of a mum-of-two have set up an online portal 37 years on from her disappearance.
Marion Hodge, from Lockerbie, was last seen in the Whitesands area of Dumfries around 7.30am on Friday, July 6, 1984.
The mum, who lived in the Balgray area, was declared legally dead by the Court of Session in 1992, however, her body has never been found.
Detectives are now appealing for information as they launch an online portal to encourage members of the public to submit information.
The Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) is a website that gives the public access to a form so they can send information directly to dedicated crime teams.
Police say Ms Hodge was reported to be carrying a blue canvas suitcase and brown handbag, wearing a cream high collared blouse, grey skirt and black sandals at the time of her disappearance.
Detective inspector Stephen McGrath, senior investigating officer, said: “The response to our appeal so far has been positive but we are continuing to ask the public to contact us if they have any information that might help.
“Marion’s family and friends deserve closure.
“We’re appealing to anyone who remembers anything unusual leading up to Marion’s disappearance, any sightings in the Whitesands area or any other relevant information that might help our inquiry.”
The Major Incident Public Portal has been launched a week on from Police Scotland’s announcement of the reinvestigation of Ms Hodge’s killing.
Ms Hodge was 34-years-old at the time of her disappearance and worked in the town’s Clydesdale Bank. She was described as 5ft 4in, slim build with dark brown collar length hair.
DI McGrath said detectives were trying to get answers for her loved ones.
One of Ms Hodge’s four siblings, Frances, has urged anyone with information to contact the police.
She said: “When we were told that she had ‘gone away’ we believed this was uncharacteristic of Marion as she wouldn’t have left in that manner.
“She would never have turned her back on her children. The day Marion disappeared was her son’s 15th birthday.
“She thought too much of her children and would never have run out on them like that. I would appeal to anyone who has any information from that time, or has since remembered anything that might prove to be crucial, to please contact the police.”
Anyone with information can contact the dedicated inquiry team on 0141 305 4551 or Police Scotland on 101.
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
