Police officers reportedly arrested 43-year-old Andy Taggart at his Ferringham Lane home this morning (Wednesday, April 9).

Eyewitnesses reported seeing him led away from the family home and his dark blue car was later taken from the driveway.

He was taken to Chichester Custody Centre for questioning.

The family home was cordoned off and swarming with police officers as they searched the house.

A police spokesman said: "We can confirm that a thorough search of Elaine Taggart's home is currently underway and nobody is living there while it's taking place."

At a police appeal for information about Mrs Taggart's whereabouts in late February, a statement from Mr Taggart was read out in which he said: "Please make contact so we know you are well. No matter what has happened we will sort it out. We miss you. Please make contact with someone so me and the kids know you are well."

Last Monday, 30 police officers and volunteers used trained dogs to search Highdown Hill and parts of Goring and Ferring.

Detective Chief Inspector Adam Hibbert said officers now feared she was no longer alive.

He said: "There has been no trace of her and, with every week that passes, we must now fear the worst. She seems to have disappeared completely."

The last confirmed sighting of Mrs Taggart was on January 3. Her red Fiat Punto, registration N988 YJB, was found in Goring Street, near Goring railway station, on January 4.

Since her disappearance, her 90-year-old father, Douglas Hassell, made an emotional public appeal for her to make contact.

And she also made no contact before or after Mother's Day or her son Daniel's 14th birthday on March 4.

Elaine's 11-year-old daughter Sophie made a heartfelt appeal for her to get in touch in an open letter released by police.

It read: "Dear mum, if you hear this letter please phone someone and tell them you are ok because I am worried because you haven't phoned us or come home in a long time. Love Sophie"

Police continue to appeal for information about Mrs Taggart. Anyone who knows where she is, or who has any information, is asked to call Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999 quoting Operation Gordon. Alternatively they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.


Timeline

January 3 – Elaine Taggart disappeared from her home.

January 4 – Her red Fiat Punto was found abandoned in Goring Street near to Goring railway station.

February 8 – A direct appeal to Mrs Taggart is issued by police asking her to get in touch. At this stage it is a missing person investigation.

February 22 – Police said they were increasingly concerned for Mrs Taggart's safety. They handed out flyers with Mrs Taggart's photograph on around the Goring railway station area.

February 25 – Mrs Taggart's father, 90-year-old Chelsea pensioner Douglas Hassell, makes an emotional plea for his daughter to contact him.

March 2 – Mrs Taggart, a mother-of-two, misses Mother's Day.

March 4 – Her son Daniel celebrates his 14th birthday. DCI Adam Hibbert, leading the investigation into Mrs Taggart's disappearance, said it was "extraordinary" for her miss her son's birthday.

March 18 – Mrs Taggart's 11-year-old daughter Sophie wrote an open letter begging her mum to get in touch.

March 31 – Police say they "fear the worst" and begin a five-day search of the countryside around Ferring and Goring. DCI Hibbert said she may have become the victim of serious crime.

April 1 – The search for Mrs Taggart continues and police say they fear she is dead.

April 9 – Mrs Taggart's husband Andy Taggart, 43, is arrested on suspicion of her murder. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a man led away from the family home and Andy Taggart's dark blue car was later taken from the driveway.


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