Gloucestershire Police issue statement over previous enquiries into Mary Bastholm disappearance
The Constabulary say they there was "insufficient evidence" to search the cafe
Gloucestershire Police has defended its decision not to previously search the Gloucester cafe linked to the disappearance of Mary Bastholm and serial killer Fred West.
An ongoing search at the Clean Plate cafe on Southgate Street continues after "potential new evidence" has recently come to light.
Police were called by a TV crew making a documentary at the site who reported they found evidence which suggested a body was buried within the property.
Serial killer Fred West carried out renovation work and was a regular at the cafe, formerly known as the Pop-In cafe.
Police will be there for a number of weeks as their enquiries continue, the force said yesterday.
They have now provided an update on the case and provided a clearer picture of what is happening inside the building.
A police spokesperson said: "We plan to continue forensic assessments at the location until Monday, before a more considered decision around the extent of excavation can be made".
The force defends previous investigation due to "insufficient evidence"
The reasons behind the 2012 decision were documented in an open letter from former Chief Constable Tony Melville.
He said during original enquiries, no evidence was found at the time to support arresting Fred West in connection with Mary Bastholm.
Former Chief Constable Melville said they would "welcome the opportunity" to review the case if any "fresh evidence" came to light.
Fred West was questioned about her disappearance in interview but he denied any involvement. He said that Heather West was his last victim and that he had committed no other murders.
A police spokesperson continued: "The Constabulary's current focus is the potential evidence discovered by the production company at the Clean Plate cafe last week and that is where our resources are being directed.
"During the course of the investigation into Mary Bastholm's disappearance over 250 different lines of enquiry were pursued.
"Following a complete review of the missing person file during the West inquiry, over 100 people were interviewed.
"The case has left an indelible mark on so many in Gloucester, but for those who worked on the case what they dealt with will live with them forever.
"The Fred West inquiry was the biggest investigation the Constabulary has ever undertaken but also the most harrowing and we are proud of the professionalism, dedication and sensitivity shown by all those who were involved in it at the time".
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