My sister disappeared on Boxing Day 10 years ago but I will never give up hope of finding her

A concerned sister says she will ‘never give up hope’ as detectives renew an appeal for information to find a missing Bedford woman on the tenth anniversary of her disappearance.

Sonica Hans, then 35, was last seen on Boxing Day in 2012 walking through Bedford town centre, past the Swan Hotel and along the Embankment.

After her disappearance Bedfordshire Police carried out extensive enquiries, including police divers searching the Great Ouse between Prebend Street and Slipe Bridge, but were unable to find Sonica.

Her family has now issued a fresh appeal to the public for any new information.

Sonica Hans, then 35, was last seen on Boxing Day in 2012 walking through Bedford town centre, past the Swan Hotel and along the Embankment

After her disappearance Bedfordshire Police carried out extensive enquiries, including police divers searching the Great Ouse between Prebend Street and Slipe Bridge, but were unable to find Sonica 

‘I have never given up hope and I never ever will. I will continue to pray she returns to us safely,’ Sonica’s sister Manisha Singh said.

‘The past 10 years since Sonica’s disappearance have been very difficult for us as a family. Celebrations have never been the same and my sister’s presence has always been missed.’

Sonica is described as being 5’3″ tall, with long black hair dyed dark brown. 

She was last seen wearing red trousers or leggings, a thigh-length black jumper and a dark blue jacket.

Detective Inspector Katherine Rivers, from Bedfordshire Police’s missing investigation team, said: ‘As we celebrate this festive season it is important to remember there are families who have lost those who are missing.

‘On the tenth anniversary of Sonica’s disappearance, her family has decided to issue a heartfelt statement that will strike a chord with many people here in Bedfordshire and in the hope that someone who knows something will come forward.

‘We never close a missing person case and will follow any new lines of enquiry to locate Sonica or establish what has happened.

‘If someone out there has any information at all, regardless of how small it may seem, I urge you to get in touch straight away.’