Police using radar to search a garage area say they are determined to find out whether an Essex teenager was buried there in 2001.
Essex Police has taken control of the site in Stifford Clays, Thurrock, in a search connected to the murder of 15-year-old Danielle Jones.
The search was launched following information received by the Kent and Essex serious crime directorate (SCD) which was alerted to unusual activity in the garage block around the time of her disappearance.
Officers have attended the site under the powers of a warrant and a cordon has been established. Inside that cordon are 20 plots, some of which will form part of the search.
Forensic examinations were conducted yesterday and the garages made safe so further work can start today.
Officers will use a ground penetrating radar device to check for any anomalies inside the cordon, which will determine what excavation is required.
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Worron, head of the SCD, said: “I am pleased with the way the work is progressing on site and as we move in to our second day we will work with a forensic archaeologist to establish where any excavation will be required.
“This search will be thorough and as such I have placed no definite timescales on how long it will take. I am determined to ensure when we leave this location we do so knowing whether this is where Danielle’s body was buried 16 years ago.
“I appreciate the disruption our activity here will be causing local residents and I would like to thank them for their cooperation.”
On Monday afternoon Danielle’s parents Linda and Tony Jones visited the site accompanied by their family liaison officer (FLO).
The FLO has been assigned to support the family since Danielle’s disappearance in 2001.
Her uncle, Stuart Campbell, was convicted of her murder in December 2002, but never said where to find her body.
Mr Worron said the new information was credible and police were committed to conducting a thorough and professional search.
Danielle’s parents said they were grateful police were following up the information.
If you can assist, call the Stanway major investigation room on 101.
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