Suzy Lamplugh murder: Police search garden previously owned by suspect's mother

Police investigating the murder of Suzy Lamplugh are preparing to excavate the garden of a home previously owned by the prime suspect's mother - more than 30 years after she went missing.

Miss Lamplugh was declared dead, presumed murdered, after going missing aged 25 in 1986. The estate agent left her west London office to meet a client known only as Mr Kipper.

The Metropolitan Police on Tuesday were leading the search at a semi-detached home in Sutton Coldfield, which previously belonging to John Cannan's mother.

The convicted killer, who is currently in jail for rape and murder, was named as the prime suspect by police in 2002. He denies the allegations.

The most recent forensic activity on Tuesday 30 October was focused in the back of the garden at the site of a dismantled garage, which was built on a concrete base. Officers visited the garden over several months 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.

The Metropolitan Police, which is leading the search, supported by West Midlands Police officers, stress that the current occupants of the property are in no way connected to the investigation.

READ MORE: What is the story of Suzy Lamplugh?

• Photos of police activity in Sutton Coldfield