France missing person mystery: Fresh appeal in 50-year case of Birmingham woman Sarjit Kaur Mann

Police have launched a renewed appeal for information regarding a Birmingham woman who vanished almost 50 years ago.

Sarjit Kaur Mann was just 20 years old when she was last seen in September 1976, following a family holiday in France.

Officers issued the fresh plea on Saturday, which would have marked her 70th birthday, hoping to shed new light on her disappearance.

Originally from Birmingham and a student at the University of Birmingham, Sarjit had been on holiday with her family in Antibes, southern France.

She asked to remain behind when her family returned home, expressing a desire to spend more time with people she had met and explore local museums.

Her family subsequently travelled back to Britain, but Sarjit was never seen again.

Police have revealed that a woman named Jane, whom Sarjit reportedly met, is said to have telephoned the family a few days after their return, claiming that Sarjit had drowned.

However, she gave no further information and abruptly ended the call.

“What happened to Sarjit in France remains a mystery and we have always kept an open mind,” Pc Shaun Reeve, from the West Midlands Police missing person investigation unit, said.

“At the time, Sarjit was said to have met a group of young women of a similar age, one of whom was called Jane.

“We believe Jane called Sarjit’s family a few days after they returned home and told them their daughter had drowned before hanging up.

“Whether this caller was Jane or not, we do not know. The caller was never identified and Sarjit has never been found.

“What we are hoping for is that someone who knew Sarjit and her family at the time might be able to help us piece together more about her life around the time she went missing.

“Even though this was a long time ago, we will never stop investigating any new information we receive as we try to bring some answers, or closure, to Sarjit’s family after nearly 50 years.”

Anyone who thinks they can help with the investigation is asked to phone the team directly on 0121 626 7003.