Bail for death quiz husband

4:30pm Thursday 28th August 2008

A husband arrested on suspicion of murdering his missing wife has been released from bail by police.

Andy Taggart, 43, was arrested in April over the disappearance of his wife Elaine but has never been charged.

Sussex Police confirmed yesterday Mr Taggart’s solicitor had been contacted to inform his client he has been “stood down” from bail.

Senior officers have pledged to continue the murder inquiry until Mrs Taggart is found.

The mother-of-two has not been seen in public since January 3.

Mr Taggart was arrested on suspicion of her murder on April 9.

He was questioned before being released on bail. Since then he has twice returned to Worthing Police Station as required by police.

He was due to return again yesterday but police decided he should be released from bail. If officers want to interview him under caution he must be arrested again.

Following Mr Taggart’s arrest, detectives in Sussex Police’s major crime branch led extensive searches of the couple’s home in Ferringham Lane, Ferring, near Worthing. The Highdown area of Worthing and Worthing Rugby Club’s ground in Angmering have also been searched.

After the 48-year-old, who worked as a catering finance manager at Brighton College, disappeared, her husband told The Argus their marriage was in difficulty and they discussed divorce.

He said she had taken clothes, her passport and £2,000 in cash before leaving on January 4.

Her car was found near Goring railway station later that day.

Detective Inspector Wendy Burton said: “We are still looking for her and have active lines of inquiry.”

The Argus was unable to contact Mr Taggart yesterday.

Anyone with information about Mrs Taggart’s disappearance is asked to call Sussex Police on 0845 6070999 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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