ANTWERP, Belgium – Interpol has issued a rare Black Notice that led to the identification of a murdered Brit known as the ‘woman with the flower tattoo’ after three decades. Rita Roberts had been violently killed when her body was found against a grate in the water of the river ‘Groot Schijn’ near the Ten Eekhovelei in Antwerp, Belgium, back in June 1992, just months after she moved to Belgium from Cardiff at the age of 31.

One of Rita’s most striking features was a flower tattoo on her left forearm, though the authorities were unable to identify her for decades. Her identity was confirmed as part of an investigation into the deaths of 22 women carried out by Interpol, who are believed to have been murdered.

Rita’s last communication with her family was in May 1992, just one month before her brutal killing. ‘Operation Identify Me’ was launched in May this year, which led to her identification after a family member recognized a picture of her tattoo.

“The news was shocking and heartbreaking. Our passionate, loving and free-spirited sister was cruelly taken away,” a family statement read. “There are no words to truly express the grievance we felt at that time, and still feel today. Whilst the news has been difficult to process, we are incredibly grateful to have uncovered what happened to Rita.”

The family expressed their gratitude for the excellent support and care of Belgium Missing Persons, Antwerp Police, INTERPOL, and Durham Police in the UK. “This cross-border collaboration has given a missing girl back her identity, and enabled the family to know she is at rest.”

Rita Roberts was 31 when she moved to Antwerp from Cardiff in February 1992. She was a beautiful person who loved travelling, her family, and always wanted to have a family of her own. Her family hopes that she is now at peace.