Police have released details of an important development in the Jenny Nicholl murder investigation.

'Significant finds' in search for missing Jenny

The 19 year old was last seen leaving her home in Richmond on the 30th of June last year and despite extensive nationwide enquiries there has been no sign of the teenager; the missing person's inquiry has since become a murder probe.

On Monday, 20 March, officers made two finds in a wooded area known as Sandbeck Plantation, to the west of Richmond. Officers say the information has not been released until now to allow initial forensic tests to be made, and to enable the positive identification of the items.

First was a teddy bear, which Jenny's parents have identified as hers.

Officers revealed the existence of the missing toy, a childhood favourite of Jenny's, in mid-December. Detective Inspector Pete Martin said: "At that time we said the teddy was not at Jenny's home, nor in her car which she abandoned at the Holly Hill public house.

"At the time we speculated that the person or persons who know Jenny's whereabouts might have the bear or, more likely, may have disposed of it."

Jenny had radio with her when she left home last June

He said the teddy may have been concealed at Sandbeck Plantation, and was possibly unearthed when a tractor wheel ran over it.

"This is a significant find because it links Jenny Nicholl with that area of Sandbeck Plantation," added DI Martin.

Of greater significance, according to North Yorkshire Police, is the discovery of Jenny's silver Goodmans radio-cassette player; this was found a few metres from the teddy, concealed in an area used to dump rubbish

DI Martin continued: "We know Jenny had this with her when she set out from her parents' house on the 30th of June last year.

Police: Jenny's childhood favourite links
her with Sandbeck

"Both these finds are important because they may provide us with significant forensic opportunities. The CD player is especially significant because it firmly links Jenny or someone who knows Jenny with that area, on a date after 30 June.

"Jenny, or someone connected with her in some way, was there at a time after she set out from home.

"There will be extensive tests made on these items, and officers will continue their detailed searches of Sandbeck Plantation and beyond."

Meanwhile the investigation team based at Richmond will continue the major enquiry which has been going on since July 2005, said DI Martin.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Witness Line on 01423 539334 or, if they wish to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.