Murder investigation launched by police searching for missing Cardiff woman

Police searching for a missing Cardiff woman have launched a murder investigation.
Charlene Hobbs, 36 from Riverside in Cardiff, was last seen at a property in Adamsdown last July.
South Wales Police confirmed her disappearance is now being treated as murder. The Crimestoppers charity has offered a reward for any information that leads to an arrest and conviction.
The force said officers have spoken to more than 250 people as part of its enquiries, but that "no-one can tell us where Charlene is or that she is alive."
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Powell said: "While I have always maintained an open mind, the lack of evidence that Charlene is alive means that we are now treating her disappearance as a murder investigation."
He continued: “Several of those we have spoken to believe that she has died but no one has been able to provide any specific details. We are hoping that the Crimestoppers reward will help focus people’s minds."
A £20,000 reward has been offered by the Crimestoppers charity for information that leads to an arrest.
DCI Powell said: “I still firmly believe that answers lie in the community, and that someone out there holds key information that will help us find Charlene.
“I urge anyone with information, no matter how insignificant they think it may be, to please contact South Wales Police or Crimestoppers.”
Charlene, who has a distinctive dragon tattoo on her back, was seen on CCTV in Morrisons Local, Adamsdown, on 23 July 2024, the day before the photograph was taken at a property in Broadway, Adamsdown, at 6:07 am on 24 July 2024.
"Her hair was in a bun, and she was wearing a dark strapless top."
Charlene's family said they are still hopeful that she "can be found safe and well.
"We are grateful for the support of Crimestoppers and the reward to help us find her, and hope that this will help people to come forward with information about what has happened to Charlene", they said.
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