Keith Bennett latest: Police abandon search for Moors Murders victim after ‘no human remains found’

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The week-long dig has proved fruitless despite author Russell Edwards telling police he was ‘certain’ he had discovered Keith’s grave

Police hunting for the body of Moors Murders victim Keith Bennett have called off the search after no human remains were found.

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Greater Manchester Police had been tipped off by amateur sleuth Russell Edwards who told them he was “certain” he’d discovered Keith’s body while searching Saddleworth Moor.

Keith BennettKeith Bennett
Keith Bennett

Officers commenced digging the rugged terrain on October 1, but the week-long search has proved fruitless.

The force said that following completion of excavation by accredited forensic experts, it had been concluded there is currently no evidence to indicate the presence of human remains.

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Keith Bennett, who was 12-years-old when he was tortured and murdered by Ian Brady and Myra Hindley in June 1964, is the only one of their victims to never have been found.

Detective Chief Inspector Cheryl Hughes said: “The investigation into Keith’s disappearance and murder has remained open since 1964 and it will not be closed until we have found the answers his family have deserved for so many years.

Police have been searching Saddleworth Moor for the remains of Moors murders victim Keith BennettPolice have been searching Saddleworth Moor for the remains of Moors murders victim Keith Bennett
Police have been searching Saddleworth Moor for the remains of Moors murders victim Keith Bennett

“In response to the report made on Thursday 29 September 2022, officers met with the member of the public who later provided us with samples and copies of the photographs he had taken.

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"He also took officers to the location from which he had obtained these and provided grid references.”

Det Chief Insp Hughes added that independent accredited forensic archaeologists and certified forensic anthropologists, together with GMP’s Crime Scene Investigators, had completed a methodical forensic archaeological excavation and examination of the identified area and beyond.

An accredited forensic geologist also took a number of soil samples – analysis of which is ongoing.

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He added: “The items given to us by the member of the public have been examined by a forensic scientist and though this hasn’t yet indicated the presence of human remains – more analysis is required. With regards to the photograph, we have sought the assistance of a forensic botanist.

A memorial to Winnie Johnson and Keith Bennett on Saddleworth Moor Credit: GettyA memorial to Winnie Johnson and Keith Bennett on Saddleworth Moor Credit: Getty
A memorial to Winnie Johnson and Keith Bennett on Saddleworth Moor Credit: Getty | Getty Images

"We are now utilising the knowledge and skills of a forensic image expert to put a standard anthropological measurement to the object to assist with identification.

"At this stage, the indications are that it would be considerably smaller than a juvenile jaw and it cannot be ruled out that it is plant-based.

“The excavation and examination at the site is complete and, to reiterate, we have found no evidence that this is the burial location of Keith Bennett.”

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