Saddleworth Moor search widened, as GMP report 'no visible evidence to suggest the presence of human remains'

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Greater Manchester Police have now expanded their search of land on Saddleworth Moor.

Reports on Friday indicated that a skull may have been found, and that it could be that of the final Moors Murder victim, Keith Bennett.

The area of land around the primary scene is still being searched by specialist officers and staff.

A meticulous examination of an initial area began last Friday, after a member of the public researching the murder of Keith reported possible human remains.

Keith was 12-years-old when he went missing in 1964.

He was one of five victims of Ian Brady and Myra Hindley – three of whom were found buried on Saddleworth Moor.

Samples obtained by the member of the public have been sent by GMP to accredited experts for analysis, which is ongoing.

Additional resources have now been deployed to enable the completion of a more extensive examination of the area.

GMP Force Review Officer Martin Bottomley said on Friday: “At around 11.25am yesterday (Thursday), Greater Manchester Police was contacted by the representative of an author who has been researching the murder of Keith Bennett, a victim of Ian Brady and Myra Hindley.

"Following direct contact with the author, we were informed that he had discovered what he believes are potential human remains in a remote location on the Moors and he agreed to meet with officers yesterday afternoon to elaborate on his find and direct us to a site of interest.

“The site was assessed late last night and, this morning, specialist officers have begun initial exploration activity.

"We are in the very early stages of assessing the information which has been brought to our attention, but have made the decision to act on it in line with a normal response to a report of this kind."

Yesterday evening (Wednesday), GMP issued another update on the search.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Cheryl Hughes, of GMP’s Force Review Unit, said: “Forensic Archaeologists and Forensic Anthropologists have now completed a methodical archaeological excavation and examination of the area previously dug and refilled by the member of the public.

"No bones, fabric or items of interest were recovered from the soil.

“These accredited and certified forensic experts are now continuing with a methodical and controlled excavation of the area immediately surrounding the original site to provide a higher level of assurance of the presence or absence of any items of interest.

"Further soil samples have been taken for analysis, but at this time there is no visible evidence to suggest the presence of human remains.

"The scene examination is ongoing.

“A report of possible human remains is always treated with seriousness.

"As such, we have deployed police search advisors who can support our scenes of crimes officers – this will result in more visible and high profile tactics, such as officers walking in lines to identify any potential sites of focus.

“GMP is committed to providing Keith’s family with answers following this report, both from the physical excavation and subsequent analysis of his will takea some time but we will keep the family updated at every stage and request that their privacy is respected.

“We have seen the outpouring of support since this news broke so know how our communities feel about this case but we are asking members of the public not to travel to the area and can assure them that we will provide timely and appropriate updates.”

Solicitor John Ainley said on Friday: "I have spoken to my client, Alan Bennett, concerning the reported development in the search for his brother Keith Bennett.

"My client is keeping an open mind on the latest report having regard to earlier such reports that have raised expectations but not resulted in finding Keith’s body.

"Naturally, the family are hoping that Keith has been found after all these years and their tireless efforts to find closure.

"I understand Greater Manchester Police are investigating a site of interest, but that it will take some weeks to establish whether there is a connection with Keith."

Keith went missing while on his way to his grandmother's house in Longsight – with Brady taking the secret of his burial site to the grave when he died in 2017.

Brady tortured and killed five children with partner Hindley in the 1960s.

He died aged 79 from cancer and emphysema, after spending more than five decades behind bars.

He was jailed for the killings of John Kilbride, 12, 10-year-old Lesley Ann Downey and Edward Evans, 17, in 1966.

He went on to admit the murders of Keith and Pauline Reade, aged 16.

The remains of three of his victims have previously been found on Saddleworth Moor.

The body of another was found at Hindley’s house in Wardle Brook Avenue in Hattersley.

Hindley died in jail in 2002, aged 60, after suffering respiratory failure following a heart attack.

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