Ben Needham probe to continue on Kos after new funding agreed

Detectives will continue their investigation into the 1991 disappearance of Ben Needham on the Greek island of Kos for another six months after getting an extra £450,000 in funding from the Home Office.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Mar 2016, 16:43 BST
Updated 15th Mar 2016, 17:46 BST
Ben NeedhamBen Needham
Ben Needham

A new investigation was launched last year by South Yorkshire Police into the apparent abduction of Ben, from Sheffield, who was 21 months old when he went missing.

His family made an appeal on Greek television along with two South Yorkshire Police detectives, sparking dozens of calls with potential information, though they were not able to make the decisive breakthrough in the case.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

After initially receiving £700,000 from the Home Office to pay for a team of detectives to go out to Kos, South Yorkshire’s police and crime commissioner has revealed that a further £450,000 is now available.

Dr Alan Billings said the money would allow work to continue until October. It is understood that detectives will pursue new leads whilst out on Kos.

Dr Billings said: “Ben’s mum, Kerry, has spent almost 25-years searching for her son. I fully support South Yorkshire Police in their ongoing pursuit of the facts.

“They have worked hard in facilitating the Greek authorities investigation into Ben’s disappearance. They have unearthed many new witnesses and have been able to rule out other lines of enquiry. Along with the Chief Constable, I remain committed to finding Ben.

“The extra funding allows the team to be strengthened with experienced detectives who will follow up the new leads. We remain hopeful that this will lead to a resolution one way or another.”