LET’S HOPE UNPLEASANT, DANGEROUS JOB WILL HELP SOLVE MYSTERY

SEARCHING landfill is something that’s not even contemplated unless you really have to.

Even soon after the event it is an unpleasant and dangerous job to ask of officers. In Corrie McKeague’s case, anything relevant will have been deposited there more than five months ago.

The area has been left unused for much of that time but nevertheless there’s about 8000 tons of mixed rubbish that has to be sifted through after months of rotting and degrading in the open.

The first difficulty is access. Providing a safe area in which to work – and means to get in and out of it – has delayed the start of the search by a few weeks. A way of searching without disruption to normal operation at the site had to be arrived at.

Having to look for small objects – Corrie’s keys and mobile phone are still missing – means the mass of rotting garbage must be looked at in minute detail. The only way this can reliably be done is by hand.

Electronic detectors might not be specific enough, as there will be thousands of metal objects. And the stench will make it tricky for sniffer dogs.

The whole operation will cost thousands and will take resources from normal policing; it is a huge undertaking.

Of course, finding out what happened to Corrie is paramount and we must assume the police have very good reason for conducting the search. Let’s hope it will help solve this mystery.