Katrice Lee case to be re-investigated 22.11.12
17*Some footage BBC Crimewatch*
*Reconstruction footage courtesy ITV*
The disappearance of a little girl from Schloss Neuhaus in Paderborn close to a military base 31 years ago is being re-investigated.
Two-year-old Katrice Lee went missing on the 28th November 1981. It was her second birthday and she had been taken on a trip to the NAAFI shop where her mother Sharon and aunt Wendy were buying party food.
Mrs Lee left Katrice with her sister to buy some crisps but returned to find Katrice had gone. Her sister said she had run after her mother down the aisle but there was no sign of her.
Both the Royal Military Police and German police at the time concluded Katrice had fallen into a river 200 metres away.
Despite an extensive search, no trace of Katrice was ever found.
Katrice's mother Sharon, who lives in Gosport, Hampshire, believes she is still alive and was abducted.
Mrs Lee has accused the original Royal Military Police investigation of brushing over Katrice's disappearance and that they failed to interview key witnesses quickly enough after the incident.
The new investigation is looking into three possibilities: that Katrice fell into a nearby river or that she was abducted by a paedophile, or taken by a childless couple.
The family also say Katrice had a squint - or turn - in her left eye and a birthmark that appeared as a rash on her lower back which could prove crucial pieces of information if she is still alive and living under a different identity, unaware of her background.
Last night Crimewatch showed a reconstruction of her disappearance and Police have had what they call several "excellent" calls following the Crimewatch programme, but say they are still missing crucial information.
Defence Minister Mark Francois says the RMP are now doing all they can and he's promised to meet the family before Christmas to update them on the case.
For more information visit www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01p2zlv/profiles/katrice-lee