Police have started a new search on Saddleworth Moor, for the body of Keith Bennett, who was snatched by Ian Brady and Myra Hindley almost 60 years ago.
It comes after Birkenhead author, Russell Edwards, found a skull as part of his research for a new book about the murder of the 12-year-old
“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,” said GMP Force Review Officer Martin Bottomley.
“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.
“It is far too early to be certain whether human remains have been discovered and this is expected to take some time.
“We have always said that GMP would act on any significant information which may lead to the recovery of Keith and reunite him with his family. As such, we have informed his brother of the potential development – he does not wish to be contacted at this time and asks that his privacy is respected.”
Edwards, a former businessman, made his name with the book Naming Jack the Ripper. After years of research, including modern DNA testing, he claimed to have “definitive evidence’ to prove his identity.
Keith Bennett was 1 of 5 children tortured and killed by Brady and Hindley in the 60s, but his body was never found. His mother, Winnie Johnson, spent her life trying to locate her son. She died in 2012.
