From Gloucestershire Police:
The detective leading the investigation at the Clean Plate café in Gloucester says that excavation work will now take place following assessments at the scene.
On Friday 7 May officers were called to a café in Southgate Street by a production company filming a documentary. They reported how they had found possible evidence to suggest a body could be buried within the property, which in the past has been linked to the disappearance of 15-year-old Mary Bastholm, who went missing in 1968.
One of the findings presented to police was a photo taken by the production company of what appeared to be blue material buried in one area of the cellar Since the production company contacted officers, Gloucestershire Constabulary has been assessing the information provided by the company and using specialists in their field to carry out a series of examinations in the café’s cellar.
Forensic archaeologists have today (Monday 17 May) confirmed that there are a number of structural anomalies within the cellar that warrant further exploration. Following a review of the analysis Gloucestershire Constabulary has now approved excavation work to begin to establish if any human remains are present.
The work will last several weeks but will not begin until at least Wednesday (19 May) while final assessments are made. Mary’s family have been updated with this information and are supportive of the activity taking place. They continue to receive support from family liaison officers.
Detective Chief Inspector John Turner said: “The analysis from our experts and the material provided by the production company means there is enough evidence to justify excavation work beginning.
“I’ve spoken to the family and was so impressed by their quiet dignity and gratitude for all the work we’ve done and will be doing.
“They understand it is possible we won’t find human remains but they also know that we will do everything we can to establish if Mary is buried at this location.
“This will be slow and painstaking work but we have the best people on it and I can reassure our communities that all involved, from my team of investigators, our scenes of crime officers, search officers and family liaison officers to the forensic archaeologists who will continue their work are absolutely committed to the job ahead.
“In the meantime, I continue to ask for patience and understanding from all those affected by our ongoing presence at the café and thank everyone who has helped us in the last ten days.”
Mary’s family has also issued a statement: “Senior Investigating Officer John Turner has sat with us and explained the ongoing investigation as well as his intentions to excavate the café to try and find Mary.
“We are extremely happy Gloucestershire Constabulary is continuing to try and search for Mary and this gives us a chance to potentially put her at rest after all these years.
“We want to thank everyone who has wished us support through this distressing time, and we are continuing to be in close touch with the investigation team, and are being kept up to date with any new developments.
“We hope this is a chance to finally get closure for Mary and would like to continue to ask for privacy whilst the excavation is ongoing.”
To correct information in The Sun article published this evening we must clarify that at this time there is no evidence to indicate the presence of bones at the location.
