Police issue major update in search for missing woman Charlene Hobbs

Detectives from South Wales Police have made a breakthrough in the investigation into the disappearance of Cardiff woman Charlene Hobbs. The last confirmed sighting of Charlene was at her local Morrisons in Moira Place, Adamsdown, on July 23 but a mobile phone photo has now established that the 35-year-old was at a property in Broadway, Adamsdown a day later.

Charlene's hair bun and distinctive dragon tattoo can be seen in the photo and she is wearing the same strapless top as the previous day when she was spotted on CCTV at a Morrisons local in Adamsdown. The photo has been verified as being taken in Broadway at 6.07am on July 24. Further mobile phone analysis indicates that later that evening Charlene may have been texting and calling people known to her, to possibly meet up.

Detectives are also investigating a link to Abergavenny and a distinctive Nissan Micra, which was found burnt out in the town on October 29. Since Charlene was reported missing, officers have carried out searches of numerous addresses, derelict premises, vehicles, and open land areas across Cardiff and subsequently in Abergavenny.

One of the vehicles seized is the distinctive Nissan Micra which was found burnt out in St Helen's Close, Abergavenny. The car was originally red but had been largely painted black.

South Wales Police have confirmed that two men, aged 45 and 43, and a 38-year-old woman arrested in connection with the investigation are on bail pending further investigation. For the latest Cardiff news, sign up to our newsletter here

At the end of November, Charlene's family issued a statement saying they were "desperate" for her to come home after she vanished without a trace. They said: "Charlene, we are desperate to have you home. We have been out looking for you and will continue to do all we can to try to find you, and to understand what may have happened. We would ask that any friends of Charlene’s or anyone who may know her, who may have any information about her disappearance to please come forward."

In a statement announcing the new confirmed sighting of Charlene, Detective Chief Inspector Matt Powell from South Wales Police said: "Charlene is a mother, a sister, a daughter, and a friend to many. Like us, they are all very concerned for her welfare and are desperate for answers.

“There are several possible explanations for Charlene’s disappearance, and we are keeping an open mind as we do all we can to establish what has happened to her.

"We are appealing for anyone who has information regarding these calls and messages, or who may have met up with Charlene on the evening of July 24, 2024, to please come forward. We believe the answers are in the community and would urge anyone who has any information to contact police.”

If you have any information which could assist South Wales Police with their investigation please contact them online or by calling 101, quoting reference 2400353044. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 in an emergency.

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