South Yorkshire Police has insisted the investigation into the disappearance of Ben Needham remains ongoing following concerns it had been closed.

Ben was last seen on July 24, 1991, on the Greek island of Kos.

The force issued a statement following concerns raised about the perceived closure of the investigation ahead of the 35th anniversary of his disappearance next year.

Police said the investigation itself continues to be led by the Greek authorities, while South Yorkshire Police’s role remains to support information sharing between UK authorities, Interpol and investigators in Greece.

Ben Needham went missing on the Greek island of Kos, in July 1991, with a search having so far failed to trace him. He was just 21-months-old when he went missing. | Submit

placeholder image — Ben Needham went missing on the Greek island of Kos, in July 1991, with a search having so far failed to trace him. He was just 21-months-old when he went missing. | Submit

The force said it had recently reviewed its processes to ensure they remain “fit-for-purpose” and able to manage any increase in information received.

South Yorkshire Police said its level of involvement has not changed and confirmed it continues to have a designated family liaison officer and detective inspector acting as points of contact for Ben’s family and relevant agencies.

A spokesperson for the police said: “The Greek investigation is open and we believe it will remain open until a conclusion is reached. Our involvement in support of the investigation has not changed.

“We remain committed to supporting Ben’s family and the investigation and fully appreciate the distress and trauma the family have been through and continue to go through.

“We’re deeply sorry for any confusion this review may have caused but wish to reassure all involved that this has not resulted in a change to our approach, it only sought to confirm we had the right approach to provide the best possible support within our jurisdiction.”