Arrest In Peterborough Missing Mum Case

1 September 2011, 12:38 | Updated: 1 September 2011, 15:06

A man has been arrested in Lithuania on suspicion of the kidnap and murder of a missing Peterborough mum.

29 year old Vitalija Baliutaviciene was last seen leaving her home on Bulmer Road in Peterborough early on Friday 12th August.

The 46 year old man is being held by the Lithuanian authorities and extradition proceedings to bring him to the UK have started.

However, Police say they are keeping an open mind as to whether Vitalija is still alive and are continuing to search for her.

This search is currently focused on the Holme Wood area of Peterborough.

At present, the entire Cambridgeshire Police Major Investigation Team is working on the incident, along with resources from other forces around the UK.

The man was arrested in the Lithuanian city of Taurage at the request of Cambridgeshire Police.

Police are continuing to appeal for information from communities in Peterborough about Vitalija's disappearance, and have confirmed it is being treated as an isolated incident.

Detective Inspector Martin Brunning said: "A 46-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of kidnap and murder in connection with the inquiry into the disappearance of Vitaliaja.

This is a significant development in the investigation, however we are keeping an open mind as to whether Vitalija is still alive and well.

I would continue to urge anyone with any information about Vitalija's disappearance to contact police."

She was last seen wearing light blue three-quarter length jeans, a blue denim jacket and light plimsoll trainers.

It is believed she was carrying an umbrella and a distinctive brightly coloured bag with a butterfly pattern.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Detective Inspector Martin Brunning on 0345 456 456 4 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.