COPS have arrested a man and a woman in connection to a 21-year-old cold case where a teenage lad vanished.

       Robert Williams, 15, from Resolven, Neath, was last seen on March 22, 2002 while walking to a party.

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       Robert Williams was last seen on March 22, 2002 Credit: Media Wales

       Now, a 59-year-old woman and a 35-year-old man have been arrested in connection with the incident.

       A South Wales Police spokesman said: "A 59-year-old woman and a 35-year-old man were arrested early this morning and have since been bailed for further inquiries."

       Detective inspector David Butt said: “Robert’s mum Cheryl has been updated on these arrests and our thoughts are very much with Robert’s family at this difficult time.

       “Our priority is supporting them whilst we work through this new line of inquiry in the investigation. We ask that their privacy is respected as our investigation continues."

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       Earlier this month, South Wales police had put out an appeal for any information about the youngster’s disappearance, on what would have been his 37th birthday.

       Robert’s Mum Cheryl said: “I know that Robert is never coming home. I just want his body back so I can bury him.

       “He deserves that. I don't want him out there on his own and we need closure as a family.

       “Someone out there knows what happened to him. As a mother knowing my child is lying somewhere has destroyed me emotionally and physically. I need to know what happened to him.”

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       Detective Inspector Dai Butt added in the reappeal: “All outstanding missing person cases remain open and are revisited periodically in case new evidence comes to light.

       "We remain committed to finding out what happened to Robert. I believe that the local community of Aberdulais holds key information that might help us understand what happened to him.

       “It is known that Robert attended a house party in Tair Felin, Aberdulais on Saturday 23rd March 2002 where other local people were present.

       "If you were at the party or have any information regarding Robert’s movements or disappearance, we would really like to speak to you.

       "It may seem challenging to recall details from 21 years ago, but no matter how small or insignificant you think the information you hold is, it could prove vital to our investigation and could help provide Robert’s family with much needed closure.

       "All this time without answers has been agony for them – please if you hold information, it is not too late after all this time to come forward.”

       Robert had been on his way to the house party in Tair Felin, Aberdulais, but he never returned home.

       Police launched a huge search of the local area but were never able to track the lad down.

       Over the years, the force has followed a number of lines of enquiry but have never been able to find Robert.

       Cheryl, speaking to BBC’s Crimewatch Live, paid an emotional tribute to her son and recalled the last time she had ever seen him.

       She said: "He was a character – he always made you laugh. He loved his sport.

       “He was never without a ball, a rugby ball or a football, he just loved everything about it.

       “The morning Robert went missing was just like any other morning. He said: 'I am off out mam, see you later' and he looked so happy going around the corner.

       “Just every day I think about that because that is the last time I have ever seen him."

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       Anyone with information can contact South Wales Police quoting occurrence number 2300271756.

       To give information anonymously please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.

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       In July 2010 police issued a picture of how Robert would look aged 23 Credit: South Wales Police