Police search cafe cellar in hunt for ‘Fred West victim’
POLICE are searching the basement of a cafe for the body of missing teenager Mary Bastholm – feared to have been a victim of serial killer Fred West.
The 15-year-old – who vanished in January 1968 – was a waitress at The Pop In, Gloucester, where West did building work.
Filmmakers making a documentary in the basement of the cafe – now called The Clean Plate – are said to have called police after a dog found evidence of a body.
It is close to 25 Cromwell Street, where West and wife Rose tortured, raped and murdered an unknown number of women over a 20-year period.
Police put up a white tent at the entrance yesterday, and officers say a major crime team could be at the scene for weeks to decide if excavations are needed.
Asst Ch Con Craig Holden said: ‘This could be a significant development. We consider it to be new and potentially important evidence in the case of Mary Bastholm. First and foremost our thoughts are with her family.
‘This news may understandably alarm those who work near to the premises, as well as those in the wider community.’
The cafe is now owned by women’s charity The Nelson Trust.
A spokesperson said: ‘It is an extraordinary twist of fate that this building now associated with a story as tragic as the West’s victims is part of a charity working to support women at risk from violence.’ West was charged with 12 murders, but hanged himself in Birmingham prison in 1995 aged 53 before his trial. Rose West, now 67, was convicted of ten murders in November 1995 and is serving life. Yesterday, Ms Bastholm’s family said: ‘We are aware of the developments around Mary’s disappearance and are being kept up to date and supported by Gloucestershire Police family liaison officers. ‘At this time please may we ask for privacy so we can grieve for Mary.’
The teenager was last seen at a bus stop as she travelled to see her boyfriend.
Missing: Mary