New funding for missing Ben Needham inquiry

Ben, from Sheffield, went missing from the island at the age of two and despite an investigation by the Greek authorities it is not known what happened to him.

After making a request for funding last February, South Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner was told today that the Home Office would approve its bid, meaning local officers can travel to Kos to support the inquiry.

Up to £700,000 has been made available, and the funding will last for the financial year starting on April 1.

The family of Ben, whose 25th birthday was last October, said last year it was “outrageous” no extra funding had been given to pay for further investigative work.

His mother Kerry told The Yorkshire Post the decision by the Home Office, which will lead to the investigation staring in April, was “sort of bitter-sweet”.

She said: “I am happy the funds will be released and Matt Fenwick [the detective leading the investigation for South Yorkshire Police] can put his team together.

“But I am not happy with the length of team and what he has had to do to get the decision. It is so wrong.”

Ms Needham said: “In my opinion this should have been done by now. I could have been sat over Christmas knowing what happened to my son.

“From the conversation I have had with Matt Fenwick, everything will be covered [by the funding decision].

“I think the investigation will take as long as it takes and will get to the bottom of any outstanding investigations that we have wanting them to look into for the last 20 years.”

Dr Alan Billings, police commissioner for South Yorkshire, said today: “Ben’s mum, Kerry, has spent more than 23 years searching for her son. I fully support South Yorkshire Police in their ongoing pursuit of the facts.

“They have worked hard in facilitating the Greek authorities investigation into Ben’s disappearance but there is still more work to do.

“This will be made easier with this additional funding, which will allow further lines of inquiry to be explored.

“Along with the Chief Constable, I remain committed to finding Ben. I’m pleased that the Home Office saw fit to support us in this commitment and have agreed to provide additional funding which will allow South Yorkshire Police to further their investigations into the disappearance of Ben.”

Detective Superintendent Matt Fenwick, who will lead the investigation, said: “Ben was a very young child when he went missing 23 years ago.

“His family has endured untold pain and anguish in the years that followed and have never given up in trying to find him.

“South Yorkshire Police has provided support to the Greek authorities wherever requested in assisting with the investigation.

“We hope that by continuing to work with them, we can assist in providing the answers Ben’s family so desperately want.

“We will now take time to establish the right investigation team, with a view to the inquiry commencing in April.”

Ben had been holidaying with his mother Kerry and his father Simon in the village of Iraklise on the island of Kos when he went missing on 24 July 1991.

His grandmother Christine, who still lives in Sheffield, told The Yorkshire Post last year that it was “unfair” no funding had been given for South Yorkshire Police to assist with the Greek investigation when £7 million had been spent on the search for Madeleine McCann.

It is understood the funding has been offered on a provisional basis pending an assessment by police watchdog Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and an agreement between South Yorkshire Police and the Greek authorities.