Cornwall's most mysterious unsolved cases of the decade
Finnian Layland-Stratfield
July 2017
Finnian Layland-Stratfield, 17,
was last seen near Tintagel's youth hostel by a walker on the evening of Saturday, July 8, 2017.
The following day at around 5.30pm a rucksack containing some of his personal belongings, including a note, were located on cliffs above Hole Beach in
Tintagel.
Finn's mum Rebecca has never given up hope that her son will be found.
But his father, John Layland, said he was told by police that proactive searches for Finn had ceased and that it is his belief that his son took his own life.
Mr Layland also disclosed that a note, written by Finn, was found in the rucksack above the cliffs.
“It’s my opinion, and the police’s opinion, that Finn has taken his own life,” Mr Layland said.
“The police told me, right from the beginning, that they thought this. However they had to go through the natural process.
“We had a meeting and we were told by the police that they will keep the case open, because officially he’s still missing. But proactive searches have now ceased.
“Out of respect for others I have waited for this moment before making my statement.
“What I want to emphasise is that I don’t want to upset anyone, I just want to put across the facts, and it’s up to people then to make up their own mind.
“I want to put Finn to rest and make some form of closure."
In a statement, a spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed at the time that the proactive searches for Finn had ceased.
The spokesman said: “The family is aware that following extensive searches by both the police and members of the public, we have only been able to locate items belonging to Finnian, who himself remains missing; we have no current active leads in this investigation.
“In the case of Finnian, as with all missing people within Devon and Cornwall, they will remain as an active missing person and the investigation will remain open, until a person is either found safe and well or a body is located.
“However, proactive searches have now ceased, but any new information or sightings will of course be investigated.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Finnian during this difficult time.”