‘Overwhelming’ response to Greek TV appeal in hunt for missing Ben
THE GRANDMOTHER of missing Ben Needham who vanished on a Greek island more than 20 years ago has spoken of her hope for a breakthrough in the hunt for him.
“We’re confident this time it’s going to be our year,” said Christine Needham, whose grandson vanished on Kos in 1991 when he was just 21 months old, as she spoke alongside his mother, Kerry Needham, at a Press conference in Sheffield yesterday.
The family said they had made a breakthrough in the 24-year search after more than 100 contacts from Greek people were received following an appearance on television in the country on Friday night.
Kerry Needham said the programme, watched by 50 per cent of the Greek television audience, was a “huge success”.
She said: “I feel we have made a breakthrough. We have definitely made a breakthrough.
“It doesn’t matter how many times we cry, we’ll always find the strength, build that back up and continue. But I think this time we have made a big, big impression out there. The information is coming in now, I think they did a fantastic job.”
Mrs Needham took part in the three-hour show with Ben’s grandmother, her daughter Leighanna and detectives from South Yorkshire Police.
Police are now working to prioritise the information gained from the public, she said. Christine Needham said the family had been “overwhelmed” by the response to the show so far.
She said: “Something’s got to give and we are very hopeful with the information that’s come in. We’re confident this time it’s going to be our year.”
Ben’s grandmother added: “We can’t change what’s happened, we can’t bring back all those years now. But we need to tell him that we looked for him.”
Detective Inspector Jon Cousins, who appeared on the programme for South Yorkshire Police, said the force had received a “fantastic” response.
He said: “We have had a vast number of new lines that we need to look at, research properly, consider what we’re going to do with it, and that’s what we’re going to be doing over the forthcoming months.”
In January, South Yorkshire Police were granted £700,000 of Home Office funding to support the Greek authorities in continuing inquiries to find Ben. The force asked for the financial help to follow up information the family believes has never been properly investigated.
The independent charity Crimestoppers has offered a reward of up to £10,000 for information. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.