Police Dig Up Garden in Search for Fulham Estate Agent Suzy Lamplugh
Midlands house belonged to mother of prime suspect in her murder 32 years ago
Police hunting for the body of Fulham estate agent Suzy Lamplugh are searching premises in Sutton Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, once owned by the mother of convicted murderer John Cannan - the prime suspect in her killing.
25 year-old Suzy disappeared in July 1986 and was declared dead, presumed murdered, in 1994. Her body has never been found
The Met Police has confirmed it is leading the operation, supported by officers from West Midlands Police.
Homeowner Phillip Carey, 52, told the BBC he bought the house from John Cannan's mother Sheila 26 years ago and was aware of the circumstances.
"We knew who she was, we became aware who she was as we went through the relationship, he said, "and obviously it was high profile at the time."
He said police arrived on Monday and were investigating a garage behind the semi-detached home, which he used to store DIY items and an old fridge. He added that the iron structure had been dismantled and police were particularly interested in what was underneath its concrete floor.
Police are also now reportedly digging up the back garden.
On July 28, 1986, 25 year-old Suzy left Sturgis' estate agency in Fulham Road - now the office of Chestertons - to show a house at 37 Shorrolds Road to someone described in her diary as "Mr Kipper".
The night her white Ford Fiesta was found in Stevenage Road, with the keys missing, but with her purse containing £15 still in the pocket of the driver's door.
After she vanished, officers examined thousands of lines of inquiry and conducted DNA testing on 800 unidentified bodies, but no trace of Suzy was found and she was officially declared dead in 1994.
After her disappearance, her parents Diana and Paul established the Suzy Lamplugh Trust and campaigned tirelessly to improve women's awareness of personal safety. Both were awarded OBEs for their work Diana in 1992 and Paul in 20015.
Sadly both have since died - Diana in 2011 and Paul in June this year - without knowing where Suzy had been buried.
Though no one has been convicted of her murder, police have named Cannan as the man they believe to be responsible. The former car salesman was convicted in July 1988 the murder of Shirley Banks in Bristol in October 1987, the attempted kidnapping of Julia Holman and the rape of a woman in Reading in 1986.
He was given three life sentences with a recommendation never to be released.
The Suzy Lamplugh Trust has released a statement saying: " The thoughts of everyone at Suzy Lamplugh Trust are with Suzy’s family today. 32 years after she disappeared, her case remains unresolved.
"Diana and Paul Lamplugh founded Suzy Lamplugh Trust in 1986 following the disappearance and later presumed murder of their daughter. Today we continue the work of Paul and Diana to reduce violence and aggression in society, supporting workplaces to help their lone and frontline workers be safer and feel safer.
" We also run the National Stalking Helpline, offering advice and support to anyone concerned about stalking.
" Today’s news reminds us once again of the continuing tragedy of Suzy’s story and the importance of employers taking responsibility for the personal safety of their staff."
You can read more about the work of the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, including its involvement with National Personal Safety Day, coming up on 8 November, on its website.
October 30, 2018