NSW Police launch fresh $250k appeal for information on missing Sydney chef Simon Knight

A fresh appeal for information about a missing chef has been made 20 years after his mysterious disappearance.

The family of missing Sydney chef Simon Knight has delivered a fresh appeal for “answers” 20 years after the young man disappeared.

“Our family are still waiting, hoping one day we will get answers and closure, so please, if you know anything, please get in touch with the police or Crime Stoppers” Simon’s father Bob Knight said on Monday.

A $250,000 reward has been offered for any information leading to the discovery of Simon’s whereabouts or disclosing the circumstances of his disappearance.

Simon, a chef, was last seen at a hotel on Crown St in Sydney’s Surry Hills on the morning of July 21, 2005.

When the 32-year-old did not arrive for his shift at a cafe in Newtown later that day, he was reported missing to police.

Despite extensive investigations at the time, and over the years, Simon has never been found. A second coronial inquest in 2015 found that it was likely Simon had died, the police said on Monday.

Sydney chef Simon Knight went missing in July 2005. Picture: Supplied

His body has never been located and the circumstances of his disappearance are unknown.

At the time of his disappearance, Simon was described as being of caucasian appearance, 183cm tall, with blue eyes, a fair complexion, red hair and facial hair.

When he was last seen, it is believed he was wearing a dark green T-shirt and blue jeans.

Sydney detectives continue to investigate Simon’s disappearance under Strike Force Glenlea. Police Minister Yasmin Catley said Simon’s family needed answers.

“Losing a loved one is devastating, but the not knowing makes the loss so much harder,” she said.

“Today we appeal to anyone who might have the smallest piece of information, which can help police bring answers about Simon’s disappearance for the Knight family.”

He was reported missing after failing to show up for a shift at a Newtown cafe. Picture: Supplied

South Sydney Police Area commander Acting Superintendent Christopher Hill said police believed there was someone out there who knew something about Simon’s disappearance.

“To support this search for answers, anyone who may have held onto information since Simon’s disappearance is urged to come forward,” Superintendent Hill said.

“We are keen to speak with anyone who lived or frequented Crown and Oxford streets, Surry Hills, in July 2005, particularly if they knew Simon and have not yet spoken to police.

“Any piece of new information – no matter how seemingly insignificant – could be the key to solve this case and help provide much-needed answers to Simon’s family about what happened to him.”