Police appeal for information about red 4WD in missing person Lorrin Whitehead’s case

Police are appealing for help from the public after a new lead emerged in the case of missing Bannockburn mum Lorrin Whitehead, who mysteriously disappeared in February 2013.

A red four-wheel-drive has emerged as a key lead in the mystery disappearance of Bannockburn woman Lorrin Whitehead.

The Herald Sun can reveal details of the vehicle of interest sighted at the time Ms Whitehead vanished, on February 8, 2013, as police make fresh inquiries into what happened to her.

Moments before going missing, Ms Whitehead was captured at 4.52pm on CCTV at a local supermarket, buying a bottle of water, a card and a pen.

Lorrin Whitehead was seen at a local supermarket, buying a bottle of water, a card and a pen, moments before she vanished. Picture: Victoria Police

Age progression image of Lorrin Whitehead. Picture: AFP

Investigators from Moorabool Crime Investigation Unit now say a witness saw her get into a red 4WD in the centre of town around the same time that day, a Friday.

Ms Whitehead, a 41-year-old mother, has not been seen since.

Another witness had told detectives of seeing a red 4WD parked on the nature strip at Ms Whitehead’s property that weekend.

She did not own a red 4WD at the time.

Police are trying to track down the vehicle’s owner as they believe that person may be able to help with their inquiry.

Investigators have in recent months interviewed several members of the public as they chase down more avenues in the case.

They know she had a medical condition and was believed to have left without medication.

Amelia Grozdanovski with her mum, Lorrin Whitehead.

Her work phone was found at her home and her bank accounts are untouched, raising more questions after what police say is an “extremely out of character” disappearance.

Ms Whitehead is described as 170cm tall, of medium build with brown eyes and brown hair and wore black pants and a light-coloured shirt when she went missing.

Detective acting Sgt Clive Martella said the disappearance remained concerning for investigators and Ms Whitehead’s family.

Sgt Martella said multiple witnesses reported seeing a red 4WD near her property, including one person who believes they saw her getting into this vehicle on the afternoon she was last seen.

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate the owner of a red 4WD that witnesses saw Lorrin Whitehead getting into on the day of her disappearance.

Lorrin Whitehead was last seen in February 2013 at a local supermarket in Bannockburn, Victoria. Picture: AFP

“Given Lorrin did not own a red 4WD, we are asking the owner of that vehicle to come forward as they may be able to lead us to Lorrin,” he said.

“This investigation is very much active, and we are as committed as ever to finding answers for Lorrin’s family.

“We also believe there may be others in the community that have information about this vehicle or know something. If you remember seeing or hearing something, no matter how small it may seem, we urge you to come forward.”

Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit the website www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Originally published as Police appeal for information about red 4WD in missing person Lorrin Whitehead’s case