This week a fresh excavation started in search for Ben Needham, who vanished while on holiday on the Greek island of Kos.
Police revealed yesterday (27 September) that they have found items of ‘slight interest’ since starting the search near the farmhouse where Ben was staying with family.
And now a photo which was taken shortly after the toddler’s disappearance is being analysed as it shows a new tree had been planted.
The police made the new discovery whilst looking at changes to shrubs and trees since 1991.
Detective Inspector Jon Cousins said: “The only record we have of the time that Ben disappeared in 1991 is a photo.
“It was taken around 10 to 14 days after his disappearance, when members of the media arrived here on Kos to have a look at the investigation.
“It is the earliest record we have and the closest record of the time Ben disappeared. There is an indication that a tree that is here now clearly wasn’t there at the time.
“That is why we are concentrating our effort around it this morning, to make sure we have covered it.
“We have been able to analyse that area with the experts who are here now and, of course, we are able to look at all the fauna and tree growth around it.”
According to The Sun, diggers are expected to excavate the land this morning, and DI Cousins – who is leading the search – said he was “very pleased” with their progress so far.
A specialist team of forensic investigators who probed the 9/11 and 7/7 terror attacks, as well as Madeleine McCann’s disappearance.
The team are also analysing fragments of bone found in the latest dig, in addition to pieces of fabric that were also found in the area. However DI Cousins revealed the chances of finding DNA on the material is “extremely low”.
Earlier in the year a new witness came forward, leading police to believe that Ben could have been killed by a bulldozer near his grandparents’ farmhouse.
Ben was wearing a white and green shirt and a pair of leather sandals when he went missing on 24 July 1991.
He had wet his shorts earlier in the day so his grandmother hung them on a tree to dry.
The land being excavated was searched previously in 2012 by officers with cadaver dogs, however this new search will involve digging deeper, focusing on one area following the witness’ information.
Ever since the day her little boy vanished, Kerry Needham has campaigned tirelessly for police to continue investigating Ben’s disappearance, in hope that he is still alive.
Ben’s sister Leighanna – who was born three years after his disappearance – recently told Closer that the family is now “in limbo” whilst waiting for a call that could change their lives.
“We don't know how to feel or how to act. It's just a terrible time for all of us,” Leighanna explained.
"Mum is being incredibly strong. She's the one holding us together right now. I don't know how she does it. But I guess she has been dealing with this for 25 years.
“However, none of us feels very prepared at all."
We will bring you more on this story as it happens.
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