This interview is being tape recorded.

It is the 21st of April 2012 and I make it just 3:55 p.m. My name is redacted Sec 40 (2) and I’m based at redacted Sec 40 (2) with the Thames Valley Police. Also present is my colleague redacted Sec 40 (2) . Could you please state your full name?

SS:

Oh, sure, Salil Singh.

Police:

And can you confirm your date of birth for me?

SS:

14th February 1994.

Police:

A Valentine’s baby, eh?

SS:

Yeah.

Police:

So, Salil, let us just get some introduction bits out of the way first. Just so you understand, this is a voluntary interview and you are free to stop it or ask us to leave at any time. We are interviewing you as a significant witness in the missing persons inquiry of Andrea Bell.

SS:

But, sorry for interrupting, I told you I didn’t see her after school, so I didn’t witness anything.

Police:

Yes, sorry the terminology is a bit confusing. A significant witness is also someone who has a particular relationship to a victim, or in this case a possible victim. And as we understand it, you are Andrea’s boyfriend, correct?

SS:

Yeah. No one calls her Andrea. She’s Andie.

Police:

OK, sorry. And how long have you and Andie been together?

SS:

Since just before Christmas last year. So around 4 months. Sorry, you said Andie was a possible victim? I don’t understand.

Police:

It’s just standard procedure. She is a missing person but because she is a minor and this is out of character, we cannot wholly rule out that Andie has been a victim of a crime. Of course we hope otherwise. Are you OK?

SS:

Um, yeah, I’m just worried.

Police:

That’s understandable, Salil. So the first question I’d like to ask you is when was the last time you saw Andie?

SS:

At school, like I said. We talked in the car park at the end of the day, and then I walked home and she was walking home as well.

Police:

And at any time up until that Friday afternoon, had Andie ever indicated to you a desire to run away from home?

SS:

No, never.

Police:

Did she ever tell you about any problems she was having at home, with her family?

SS:

I mean yeah we obviously talked about stuff like that. Never anything major, just normal teenager stuff. I always thought that Andie and redacted Sec 40 (2) But there wasn’t anything recent that would make her want to run away, if that’s what you’re asking. No.

Police:

Can you think of any reason why Andie would want to leave home and not be found?

SS:

Um. I’m not sure, I don’t think so.

Police:

How would you describe your relationship with Andie?

SS:

What do you mean?

Police:

Was it a sexual relationship?

SS:

Erm, yeah sort of.

Police:

Sort of?

SS:

I, we haven’t actually, you know, gone all the way.

Police:

You and Andie haven’t had sex?

SS:

No.

Police:

And would you say your relationship is a healthy one?

SS:

I don’t know. What do you mean?

Police:

Do you argue often?

SS:

No not argue. I’m not confrontational, which is why we are OK together.

Police:

And were you arguing in the days before Andie went missing?

SS:

Um, no. We weren’t.

Police:

So in written statements from redacted Sec 40 (2) taken this morning, they both separately allege that they saw you and Andie arguing at school this week. On the Thursday and the Friday. redacted Sec 40 (2) claims it’s the worst she has seen you both argue since the start of your relationship. Do you know anything about this, Salil? Any truth to it?

SS:

Um, maybe a bit. Andie can be a hot-head, sometimes it’s hard not to answer back.

Police:

And can you tell me what you were arguing about in this instance?

SS:

Um, I don’t, I don’t know if . . . No, it’s private.

Police:

No, you don’t want to tell me?

SS:

Erm, yeah, no. I don’t want to tell you.

Police:

You may not think it’s relevant, but even the smallest detail could help us find her.

SS:

Um. No, I still can’t say.

Police:

Sure?

SS:

Yeah.

Police:

OK, let’s move on then. So did you have any plans to meet up with Andie last night?