A MOTHER who has spent the last 12 months searching for her missing son has received a hoax e-mail purporting to be from his captors.

A MOTHER who has spent the last 12 months searching for her missing son has received a hoax e-mail purporting to be from his captors.

Hollesley teenager Luke Durbin was last seen last year after a night out with friends in Ipswich.

His mother Nicki, who has worked tirelessly to find answers to the mystery of her son's disappearance, was sent the e-mail on Tuesday which demanded money in return for an opportunity to speak to Luke, 19.

However, investigating detectives have dismissed the message as a sick scam, traced to Nigeria.

News of the e-mail comes only a day after police revealed that rumours had left detectives without any clear leads.

Acting detective inspector Ian Addison, who has headed the enquiry, said: “Frustratingly, when we have tracked rumours back to their sources they have turned out to be just that - rumours - and we still have no confirmed sightings of Luke.”

Luke, who would have celebrated his 20th birthday on December 4, was last seen captured on CCTV heading towards the cattle market bus station in Ipswich town centre at about 4am on May 13, 2006.

Meanwhile, singer Cliff Richard has joined the growing list of celebrities appealing for Luke's safe return.

He said: “Please, Luke, if you're out there, just let your mum know you're alive and well. It's all you need do. Or, if there's someone who knows where Luke is, again please get a message to Luke's mum. She needs her life back.”

Anyone with information should call Suffolk Police on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

WEBLINKS: www.findluke.com www.eveningstar.co.uk/lukedurbin