Bruce John HITCHEN

Missing Person Week – Strike force investigates suspicious 1987 disappearance of Bruce Hitchen

7 August 2020 Central West Police

Police are renewing their appeal for public assistance into the disappearance of Bruce Hitchen over 30 years ago as part of Missing Persons Week 2020.
Bruce Hitchen, 40, was last sighted in July 1987 in Cessnock NSW but had connections to the Brewarrina area. He has not been seen or in contact with family or friends since.
Mr Hitchen is described as being Caucasian in appearance, olive complexion, approximately 180cm tall with blue/grey eyes. At the time of his disappearance he was of a medium build with brown hair.
Mr Hitchen has a 7.5cm scar on the right side of his face which was covered with a beard.
In March 2020, officers attached to Central North Police District established a strike force to investigate missing persons. As an active investigation, police are actively pursuing the circumstances surrounding Mr Hitchen’s disappearance.
Central North Police District Crime Manager Detective Inspector Quigg urges members of the community with any information to come forward.
“The information we have is that Bruce Hitchen has connections in the Brewarrina area where he had previously worked on a rural property as a farmer or farm hand,” Det Insp Quigg said.
“It is also understood he worked as a carriage cleaner with the State Rail Authority of NSW at some stage prior to his disappearance.
“Any information, no matter how insignificant it may appear, could be the missing piece to solving the mystery of Bruce’s disappearance.
“I am urging anyone with information to come forward. All information will be treated with the strictest of confidence.”
Anyone who has seen Mr HITCHEN or has information as to his whereabouts or his disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information provided will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via social media pages.
Missing Person Week in an annual national campaign to raise awareness of the issues and impacts surrounding missing persons and runs between Sunday 2 August and Saturday 8 August 2020.