Police are continuing to search Saddleworth Moor for the remains of Moors Murders victim Keith Bennett. Officers started digging in the area last Friday (September 30) following information supplied by an amateur sleuth who has spent years looking for the child.
Author Russell Edwards passed on images of what was described as part of a jaw bone after working with a team of experts to try and find Keith's remains. Keith was one of the five young victims of the Moors murders, having been killed aged just 12 by Ian Brady and Myra Hindley in 1964.
With the search now well into its sixth day, GMP forensic experts have failed to find any identifiable human remains. Images taken this afternoon show several officers in white suits continuing to comb the rugged, remote moorland.
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At least three police tents remain in place near to the area where officers have been digging. Police have dug 3ft down in the immediate area identified by Mr Russell and then several metres beyond that.
In an update issued on Tuesday evening, senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Cheryl Hughes, of GMP’s Force Review Unit, said: “Forensic Archaeologists and Forensic Anthropologists have now completed a methodical archaeological excavation and examination of the area previously dug and refilled by the member of the public. No bones, fabric or items of interest were recovered from the soil.
“These accredited and certified forensic experts are now continuing with a methodical and controlled excavation of the area immediately surrounding the original site to provide a higher level of assurance of the presence or absence of any items of interest. Further soil samples have been taken for analysis, but at this time there is no visible evidence to suggest the presence of human remains. The scene examination is ongoing.
“A report of possible human remains is always treated with seriousness. As such, we have deployed police search advisors who can support our scenes of crimes officers – this will result in more visible and high profile tactics, such as officers walking in lines to identify any potential sites of focus.
“GMP is committed to providing Keith’s family with answers following this report, both from the physical excavation and subsequent analysis of his will takea some time but we will keep the family updated at every stage and request that their privacy is respected.
“We have seen the outpouring of support since this news broke so know how our communities feel about this case but we are asking members of the public not to travel to the area and can assure them that we will provide timely and appropriate updates.”
Keith, 12, was one of five victims of killers Myra Hindley and Ian Brady. He vanished on June 16th 1964. His is the only body not to be found. The other victims were Pauline Reade, 16; John Kilbride, 12; Lesley Ann Downey, 10; and Edward Evans, 17.
Keith was killed after being lured into a van by Hindley, who asked him to help her with some boxes. Brady, her lover, was on the back seat.
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