TWO people arrested over the suspected murder of a missing Isle of Wight teenager have been released without charge.

A 36-year-old woman and a 45-year-old man, both from Cowes, answered police bail and were further quizzed by detectives on suspicion of being involved in the disappearance of Damien Nettles, of Gurnard, Cowes who vanished in 1996 aged 16 after a night out with pals.

But the officers from the Hampshire Major Investigation Team released the two people with no further action this afternoon.

A police spokesman said there was insufficient evidence to charge them with a criminal offence.

A 38-year-old man from Ryde, Isle of Wight was not able to answer his police bail as scheduled today. Officers will arrange a new appointment in due course for him to be questioned further.

Damien's mum Valerie, who now lives in Texas, put up a reward of £10,000 for information leading to his remains and his killer's conviction.

Hampshire Police last year carried out unsuccessful searches on the island for his body.

Anyone with information about the Damien Nettles case can contact Hampshire Constabulary by phoning 101 or emailing: operation.ridgewood@hampshire.pnn.police.uk