Police start digging garden in fresh hunt for murdered Suzy
POLICE investigating the 32year mystery of estate agent Suzy Lamplugh’s disappearance are preparing to excavate the garden of a home previously owned by the prime suspect’s mother.
Miss Lamplugh (right) was declared dead, presumed murdered, after going missing aged 25 in 1986, having left her west London offices to meet a mystery client known only as Mr Kipper.
The Metropolitan Police were yesterday leading the search at a Birmingham semi previously belonging to John Cannan’s mother.
The convicted killer, who is currently in jail for rape and murder, was named as the prime suspect by police in 2002. He has always denied involvement.
Miss Lamplugh’s brother Richard said he hoped her body would be found at the property in Sutton Coldfield so the family could have a “proper goodbye”.
“It has been a long time and we have had our expectations raised before, but it would nice if we could finally have some closure,” he said.
Insurance marketer Phillip Carey said he purchased the home in Shipton Road from Sheila Cannan in 1992.
“From our point of view, we bought the house 26 years ago, from the suspected person’s mother, Sheila,” the 52-year-old said.
“We knew who she was, we became aware who she was as we went through the relationship, and obviously it was high-profile at the time.”
Forensic activity was focused on the rear of the garden at the site of a dismantled garage, which was built on a concrete base.
It is not the first time police have been at the family home, the father-of-two said, with officers visiting the garden over several months 15 years ago. The Met, being supported by West Midlands Police officers, said the current occupants of the property are in no way connected to the investigation. Cannan was jailed for life in 1989 for the rape and murder of Bristol newlywed Shirley Banks.
Scotland Yard declined to comment on why the dig was to take place now. However, a statement said it came following “information received” by the investigation. NEW Zealand has “a real affinity” with the royal family, the country’s Prime Minister said as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s visit drew to a close.
Today is the final day of Harry and Meghan’s tour, which has seen them also visit Australia, Fiji and Tonga. The mother and father-tobe will head home after visiting Rotorua.
Speaking before a reception at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, Jacinda Ardern said: “There’s a real connection between particularly William and Harry in recent years, so it’s nice to have been able to host them in such close proximity.”
Separately yesterday, Kate Middleton was in the Basildon Sporting Village in Essex to visit Coach Core with William. The pair took part in coaching sessions to highlight the importance of engaging the local community to get involved in sport.