Georgina Gharsallah: Official Sussex Police Apology From Chief Constable

Sussex Police has officially confirmed its apology to the family of the mother-of-two from Worthing, who went missing without trace in March 2018.

Chief Constable Jo Shiner said she'd met Georgina Gharsallah's relatives face-to-face, and acknowledged what police called "significant mistakes" in their investigation.

CC Shiner also said she's reaffirmed Sussex Police's commitment to finding her, and to discuss their concerns on the police investigation. 

Officers added that, in the investigation, there have been over 70 sightings across the UK but only 1 confirmed sighting, 9 nominated scenes that have been subject of examination, 27 areas searched, 89 statements, 472 officers' reports and 484 actions raised.

In an official statement, police recounted the facts of Georgina's disappearance: she was reported missing on 17 March, 2018, having last been seen 10 days earlier.

The force said it continues to investigate her disappearance, which is now being treated as a homicide. 

Sussex Police had earlier confirmed that, last month, it shared some detail of the investigation with Ms. Gharsallah's family.

It also disclosed the findings of a full review of the investigation conducted by the Surrey and Sussex Crime Review Team.

According to police, the review found that, whilst initial enquiries were "proportionate and the investigation was escalated appropriately with comprehensive enquiries taking place", there were "significant missed opportunities" in regards to the CCTV.

But officers believe that it is impossible to say whether or not this would have made a tangible difference to the progress of the investigation as the CCTV can no longer be viewed. 

Jo Shiner said:

"On Friday (2 October) I met with Georgina's family and am full of admiration for their dignity and persistence in pursuing all avenues to find out what happened to her.

"I acknowledge their understandable grief. 

"I hope I was able to reassure them of our commitment, and my personal commitment, to finding justice or closure for them.

"Where tangible information comes to light that generates a new and realistic enquiry, I will make sure all appropriate resource is made available to pursue this. 

"The review I commissioned into the investigation concluded that a prolonged and extensive investigation has taken place, and this continues.

"However, it also highlighted some significant mistakes in the early part of the investigation in 2018 relating to CCTV and today I apologised to the family, on behalf of the force, for these mistakes and for any additional distress this has caused.

"Any further review now sits with the Independent Office of Police Conduct following our voluntary referral and we await their decision. 

"This month marks the third birthday Georgina would have missed since her disappearance and I join her family in appealing for anyone with any information that may assist in finding out what happened to Georgina to come forward." 

On Friday, Andrea Gharsallah, Georgina's mother, responded:

"Today's apology by Chief Constable of Sussex, Jo Shiner, was a step in the right direction.

"The force said that the answers for what happened would be a matter for the IOPC but that she was determined to do whatever she could to work with the family to help find out what happened to Georgina.

"We have long criticised the force and the force have been slow to admit their failings.

"We are concerned that many of the original investigating officers are still on the team and our trust in their competence is non-existent."

Anyone with any information should either report this online or call 101 quoting Operation Pavo.

Crimestoppers charity is offering a reward of up to £10,000 for information the charity exclusively receives.

Their website is https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ or call 0800 555 111.