Murder of missing Lockerbie woman Marion Hodge reinvestigated by police

Police have launched a reinvestigation into the murder of a woman who disappeared from Lockerbie in 1984.

Marion Hodge was last seen in the Whitesands area of Dumfries around 7.30am on Friday, July 6, 37 years ago.

The mother-of-two, who lived in Balgray, 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 plan to speak to original witnesses and encourage new witnesses to contact them.

Detective inspector Stephen McGrath, senior investigating officer, said: “We understand how devastating it is for loved ones to never know what happened.

“We are trying to get answers for Marion’s family and friends and we’re asking the public for help.

‘We understand how devastating it is for loved ones to never know what happened.’
Detective inspector Stephen McGrath

“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.”

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.

Police say she was reported to be carrying a blue canvas suitcase and brown handbag, wearing a cream high collared blouse, grey skirt and black sandals.

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.