Fred West, one of Britain’s most prolific serial killers, had committed at least twelve murders between 1967 and 1987 in Gloucestershire
Police are searching a café in Gloucester in connection with the disappearance of a teenage girl who was suspected of having been murdered by the notorious serial killer Fred West.
Mary Bastholm had vanished back in 1968 aged just 15 and her body has never been found.
West, who had died in prison in 1995 at the age of 53, was previously suspected over the disappearance of Mary Bastholm.
Officers of Gloucestershire Police are at The Clean Plate café on Southgate Street and are expected to be situated there for several weeks, the force said.
This comes after at least 11 people, including some students, have been killed and several others injured in a shooting at a school that took place in southwest Russia, according to reports. The RIA news agency has said that a blast was heard within the school in the city of Kazan and a teenage gunman has since been detained by police.
West, one of the UK’s most prolific serial killers, committed at least twelve murders between the years of 1967 and 1987 in Gloucestershire, the majority of murders were committed alongside his second wife, Rosemary.
All the victims of Fred West were young women and their dismembered bodies were typically buried in the cellar or garden of the couple’s home in Gloucester, on Cromwell Street, which became known as the “House of Horrors”.
Fred West is known to have committed at least two of the murders on his own.
In 1994 he admitted murdering his daughter Heather, while Rose is known to have murdered his stepdaughter, Charmaine. The couple were eventually apprehended and charged in 1994.
But Fred took his own life while awaiting the murder trial the following year.
Gloucestershire Police said that its major crime investigation team has deemed further assessments are required at the café in order to determine whether an excavation is necessary.
Family liaison officers have now been put in place to provide support and updates to Mary’s family.
This comes after zero COVID-19 deaths were reported in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland over the latest 24-hour period; it has been revealed. It is the first time the three nations have registered no reported COVID-19 deaths in a single day since 30 July 2020.
Assistant Chief Constable Craig Holden said: “This could be a significant development on a case which has gained a lot of public interest over the years.
“On the basis of the information provided to us, we consider this to be new and potentially important evidence in the case of Mary Bastholm, however further detailed assessments will take place over the following few days to determine the extent of excavation needed.
“First and foremost our thoughts are with Mary’s family and we would ask that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.
“This news may understandably alarm those who work near to the premises, as well as those in the wider Gloucester community and beyond.
“The Constabulary has always said any fresh evidence would be reviewed.
“This has happened and a focussed and proportionate investigation will now take place.”
