Missing Southend Woman Vanishes After Bus Journey – Family Desperate for News
Last Seen in Bellevue Avenue, Southend
Patricia Finnie disappeared without a trace on 11 May 2017. She was spotted last in the Bellevue Avenue area of Southend after visiting a friend on Riviera Drive. CCTV captures a woman matching her description walking towards Southchurch Road. Investigators believe she caught a bus there – but after that, she vanished completely.
Family Heartbroken Over Lost Years
Patricia’s loved ones have faced heartbreak while she’s been missing. Her son, Matthew, revealed the pain of her absence through life’s big moments. “There will always be a sadness that mum has not been around to be some part of the better events of the past three years,” he said.
“There are parts of your life where, I believe, your mum and dad should be there. We had dad, we had my fiancé Laura’s dad and stepmother round. That was the day where we’d agreed to tell them that my partner, Laura, was pregnant. It was a bit weird mum not being there, it would have been absolutely fantastic. I know she would have been over the moon.”
Husband Keeps Her Memory Alive at Home
Patricia’s husband Gordon keeps her memory alive in their home. “There’s no shrine but Pat’s part of our lives,” he said. “In our garden, there’s a Silver Anniversary rose 23 years old; a rose named ‘Patricia’ from her grandson; and a plant from a Cornwall holiday. Her beautiful cross-stitch work still decorates our walls. She’s all around.”
Gordon pleads with anyone who might have seen Patricia to come forward. “If you believe you have seen someone that is Pat, please contact Essex Police on 101. The message to Pat from the family is, the door remains ajar. We’re doing everything we can to find you, hopefully safe and well. If you’re there, just get in touch.”
Police Appeal for Information
Detective Superintendent Neil Pudney outlined the investigation so far: “Patricia left a friend’s house in Riviera Drive between 12:45 pm and 1:15 pm on 11 May 2017. CCTV shows her walking toward Southchurch Road. We believe she caught a bus from that area but she has not been seen since.”
Patricia was last seen wearing a full-length black quilted coat with a hood, pink top, navy trousers, and black shoes. Police have combed through hours of CCTV, conducted house-to-house inquiries, drone searches, and checked with local bus and rail companies – but still, no clue.
“We remain open-minded about what has happened and need answers for Gordon, Matthew, and the rest of her family,” said Pudney.
Know Something? Speak Up!
If you have any information about Patricia Finnie’s whereabouts, contact Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Help bring hope to a desperate family still waiting for answers.
