Police investigating suspected murder of Luton woman Natalia Doherty arrest Scottish man

DETECTIVES investigating the disappearance and suspected murder of a woman have arrested a man in Luton.

Officers arrested and bailed the 71-year-old man, from Scotland, on suspicion of assisting an offender and preventing a lawful burial.

He was apprehended as part of an on-going investigation into the disappearance and suspected murder of Natalia Doherty, from Luton, in 2003.

Natalia was last seen on April 15, 2003, in Eastbourne, where she was living at the time.

She is thought to have travelled to the town to stay with her ex-husband, Gerald Doherty, who has since died.

Police are also searching a property in Icknield Way as part of their investigation.

Detective Sergeant Graham McMillan said: “This has been a complex 20-month investigation for our officers, who are committed to finding out exactly what happened to Natalia to bring anyone involved in her disappearance to justice, and to finally bring closure to her family.

“We are still focusing our enquiries on Natalia’s time in the Luton area in the days surrounding 15 April 2003.

“I would urge anyone who recognises her or her husband Gerald from their time at the now-demolished Regents Arms pub in Hastings Street to contact us on 101.”