'Answers to Alena's murder lie within the community,' says detective as suspect bailed

The Rotherham man was arrested on Wednesday and questioned until midnight on Friday.

Det Chief Insp Mark Oughton, who is leading the investigation, said the man had been bailed pending further enquiries.

Enquiries into Alena'a death are ongoing and Det Chief Insp Oughton said he believed the local community could hold vital information about the mother of four's death.

"I do believe answers around what happened to Alena lie within the local community and I’d encourage people to keep speaking to us, if they have any information or concerns," he said. 

Det Chief Insp Oughton is particularly interested to hear from anyone who has information on the following:

• Did you see Alena on Boxing Day 2018 in the Parkgate area? She was last seen leaving the Fitzwilliam Arms Hotel on Taylors Lane at 10.30pm that evening, walking towards Rawmarsh Hill.
• Earlier that evening, at around 8.30pm, she was seen with a man on Scrooby Lane, walking towards Mangham Road, was that you? Were you with Alena that evening?
• Have you seen Alena’s clothing? It may have been discarded in the local area. Alena was last seen wearing a thin black sweatshirt with ‘Little Black Sweat’ written on it in white, black tracksuit bottoms with white stripes down the side and black sliders. She was also wearing blonde clip-in hair extensions. These items have not been recovered.
• Between Boxing Day 2018 and Monday, April 8, have you seen anything unusual or anyone acting suspiciously in the area where Alena'd body was found?

“Any information, no matter how small, could prove to be incredibly helpful. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you think you can help," he added. 

Alena (38), of Swinton, was found naked and concealed in a dried-up stream bed near Taylor's Lane, Parkgate, just yards from where she was last seen 15 weeks ago.

If you have any information that could help call 101, quoting incident number 453 of April 8, speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or call the incident room on 01709 443540.