Suzy Lamplugh's brother hopes for closure as police continue dig in search for murdered estate agent's body

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The brother of murdered Suzy Lamplugh has told of how he hopes a fresh search for her remains will allow the family to finally lay their loved one to rest.

Miss Lamplugh 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 are leading a search at a Birmingham home previously belonging to the mother of convicted killer and prime suspect in the case John Cannan.

Speaking after news emerged of the new hunt for his sister’s body, Richard Lamplugh said he hoped her body would be found at the property in Sutton Coldfield so the family could have a "proper goodbye".

A police officer is seen in a forensics suit in front of a skip in the alley along the side and rear of the address in Sutton Coldfield
AFP/Getty Images

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."

Asked if he was frustrated at the police returning to the property years later to continue the investigation, Mr Carey said: "There is an element of frustration."

Forensic activity on Tuesday was focused in the rear of the garden at the site of a dismantled garage, which was built on a concrete base.

Miss Lamplugh's car was found parked on a road in Fulham
PA

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 about 15 years ago.

Jim Dickie, the detective superintendent leading the investigation between 2000 and 2006, confirmed his officers did not dig or perform an "extensive" search of the home.

"We had no evidence or intelligence to lead us to believe that John Cannan may have secreted Suzy's body there," he told the BBC.

At the scene, specialist forensics scientists from the private company Alecto arrived carried equipment throughout the morning.

Police are searching the garden of a property formerly owned by the mother of prime suspect John Cannan
PA

What sounded like an angle grinder was used in the garden, with dust billowing over the adjacent alleyway. A blue tent was erected over where the garage stood behind gates leading to the rear of the home.

The Met, which is being supported by West Midlands Police officers, stressed that the current occupants of the property are in no way connected to the investigation.

Cannan, who was jailed for life in 1989 for the rape and murder of Bristol newlywed Shirley Banks, was named as the prime suspect by police in 2002.

On the day of her disappearance, witnesses reported seeing Miss Lamplugh argue with a man outside a property in Shorrolds Road, Fulham.

Suzy Lamplugh went missing in 1986 and was declared dead in 1994

Three days earlier, Cannan had been released from a hostel at Wormwood Scrubs Prison, where he had been serving a six-year sentence for rape.

He bore a strong resemblance to an e-fit of the abductor and, according to reports, he was nicknamed Kipper while serving his earlier sentence.

In 2002, claims were reported that Cannan had buried Miss Lamplugh's body under his mother's patio in the West Midlands.

A Scotland Yard spokesman at the time said the theory was "something we are currently considering", but did not confirm reports they planned to excavate the garden in the coming days.

Diana and Paul Lamplugh, the parents of Suzy Lamplugh who went missing in 1986, in their garden in London in 1993
PA

On Tuesday a spokeswoman for the force declined to comment on why the dig was to take place now, citing the sensitivity of the operation, but a statement said it came following "information received" by the investigation.

No-one has been convicted over Miss Lamplugh's death and she was presumed dead in 1994.

It is not the first site to be dug in the search for her remains. Police twice excavated sites in Worcestershire, first near Norton Barracks in 2000 and then a meadow several miles away in 2010.

Suzy Lamplugh;s diary showed she had an appointment with 'Mr Kipper' at 12.45
PA

Cannan, now 64, has been questioned several times over the murder and has denied the allegation.

Miss Lamplugh's parents, Paul and Diana, set up the Suzy Lamplugh Trust to support victims of stalking. Both died before seeing their daughter's killer brought to justice.

The trust said the latest development is a reminder of the "continuing tragedy", adding: "The thoughts of everyone at Suzy Lamplugh Trust are with Suzy's family today.

Cannan was ordered to serve a minimum of 35 years in prison, meaning he would be eligible to be considered for parole from 2024.

But the then Lord Chief Justice, Lord Lane, said he would "probably never be safe to release".

Mr Carey said the latest search is a "surreal" experience, and added: "Either (the property) is eliminated from it entirely or, if there is something found, it's closure for the family, and this tragic story can come to an end."

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