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Ben Needham case: excavations begin on Greek island of Kos Ben Needham case: excavations to begin on Greek island of Kos
(5 days later)
Excavations will begin on the Greek island of Kos next week in the search for Ben Needham, who went missing 25 years ago.Excavations will begin on the Greek island of Kos next week in the search for Ben Needham, who went missing 25 years ago.
Ben, from Sheffield, was 21 months old when he disappeared while on holiday with his mother and grandparents on 24 July 1991.Ben, from Sheffield, was 21 months old when he disappeared while on holiday with his mother and grandparents on 24 July 1991.
Last week, police told his family to prepare for the worst after new evidence suggested Ben could have been crushed to death by a digger.Last week, police told his family to prepare for the worst after new evidence suggested Ben could have been crushed to death by a digger.
A statement from police said the new lines of inquiry had been “explored and investigated over the last three months” and would result in digs at two sites on the island, close to where Ben was last seen.A statement from police said the new lines of inquiry had been “explored and investigated over the last three months” and would result in digs at two sites on the island, close to where Ben was last seen.
“It is anticipated the first dig will take the team 10 to 12 days to complete,” said the police statement. “A cordon will be in place at the scene to protect the forensic work [...] to allow the team of officers to get on with the important task at hand.“It is anticipated the first dig will take the team 10 to 12 days to complete,” said the police statement. “A cordon will be in place at the scene to protect the forensic work [...] to allow the team of officers to get on with the important task at hand.
“Please be aware that it is entirely expected that the team will regularly come across bones in the ground as the site is former farmland. Any unusual items recovered will be subject to forensic testing.”“Please be aware that it is entirely expected that the team will regularly come across bones in the ground as the site is former farmland. Any unusual items recovered will be subject to forensic testing.”
In January last year, the Home Office agreed to give special grant funding to a team of British detectives to help search for Ben following a number of possible sightings and theories about what might have happened to him. Needham’s mother, Kerry, has never given up hope that Ben could still be alive.In January last year, the Home Office agreed to give special grant funding to a team of British detectives to help search for Ben following a number of possible sightings and theories about what might have happened to him. Needham’s mother, Kerry, has never given up hope that Ben could still be alive.
A spokesperson from the Find Ben Needham campaignsaid the group was feeling “nervous, scared and anxious”, adding: “As the dig for Ben’s remains starts next week, we are supporting the Needham family and each other as much as we can. The campaign has received thousands of comments, emails and messages of support which is simply overwhelming and goes to show Ben and the Needhams [are] in the heart of the nation at this time.A spokesperson from the Find Ben Needham campaignsaid the group was feeling “nervous, scared and anxious”, adding: “As the dig for Ben’s remains starts next week, we are supporting the Needham family and each other as much as we can. The campaign has received thousands of comments, emails and messages of support which is simply overwhelming and goes to show Ben and the Needhams [are] in the heart of the nation at this time.
“A few people have asked what is next for the Find Ben Needham campaign and the answer is the same as it always has been – to find Ben and, until the day he is found, we will never stop.”“A few people have asked what is next for the Find Ben Needham campaign and the answer is the same as it always has been – to find Ben and, until the day he is found, we will never stop.”