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Ben Needham: New dig begins on Kos in search for missing toddler

A team of detectives and specialists have begun a new dig on the Greek island of Kos in the search for missing toddler Ben Needham.

Investigators have told the 21-month-old's mother Kerry Needham to "prepare for the worst" after a new line of inquiry suggested Ben may have been crushed to death by a digger near a farmhouse his grandparents were renovating in July 1991.

On Monday, police said they were 'optimistic' they would find him.

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Police 'optimistic' they will find missing Ben Needham

Detective Inspector Jon Cousins said the search could take weeks. Credit: RTV

The detective in charge of the Ben Needham investigation said he is "optimistic" they will find the youngster's body in a new search 25 years after he disappeared.

Ben was just 21 months old when he went missing on a family holiday to the Greek island of Kos on 24 July 1991.

Police are about to start digging up a patch of scrubland behind the farmhouse where he was last seen.

They believe Ben's body is there after claims a local businessman accidentally crushed him to death with a digger and then buried him.

Detective Inspector Jon Cousins told a press conference he was "optimistic" they would find Ben, but added he was "keeping an open mind".

He also appealed to any locals who had any further information about Ben's disappearance to come forward and speak to police in confidence.

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Ben Needham: New dig begins on Kos in search for missing toddler

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