Mary Bastholm investigation: What we know so far
It's been a week since detectives were called the Clean Plate cafe in Gloucester
Last updated 14th May 2021
It's been one week since detectives have been searching a cafe in Gloucester for the body of a suspected teenage victim of serial killer Fred West.
Gloucestershire Police were called to the Clean Plate cafe on Southgate street on Friday May 7 after they received possible evidence to suggest that the body of 15-year-old Mary Bastholm could be buried within the property.
The force say they were called to the site by a TV production crew filming a documentary at the cafe.
Serial killer West was known to be a regular there and carried out some renovation work there as well.
He died in prison in 1995 aged 53 but was previously suspected over Mary’s disappearance.
Along with his wife Rose, West tortured, raped and murdered an unknown number of women over a 20-year period.
What do we know so far?
Police received evidence from the TV crew that they found "possible evidence" a body had been buried there.
A white tent was erected outside the cafe on Tuesday afternoon, with police officers stationed outside the building and a police van parked nearby.
Gloucestershire Police said its Major Crime Investigation Team has deemed that further assessments are required at the premises in order to determine whether an excavation is necessary, with officers expected to be at the scene for a number of weeks.
Yesterday three forensic archaeologists began carrying out assessments of the cellar.
A police spokesperson said: "They are using geophysical survey equipment and in order for this work to be done a fireplace needs to be dismantled.
"We can confirm the ongoing activity at the location today, Thursday 13 May, relates to ongoing assessments and not excavation work.
Who is Mary Bastholm?
15-year-old Mary Bastholm disappeared in January 1968 from a bus stop on Bristol Road, Gloucester.
She had been waiting for a bus to see her boyfriend in Hardwicke after finishing her shift at the cafe on Southgate Street, know then as the Pop-In cafe.
Her body was never found but it's reported Fred West admitted to killing her to his son Stephen while on remand in prison.
Gloucestershire Police issue statement on previous investigation
The Constabulary issued a statement on Wednesday defending their decision not to previously search the cafe.
The reasons behind the 2012 decision were documented in an open letter from former Chief Constable Tony Melville.
He said during original enquiries, no evidence was found at the time to support arresting Fred West in connection with Mary Bastholm.
Former Chief Constable Melville said they would "welcome the opportunity" to review the case if any "fresh evidence" came to light.
A police spokesperson continued: "The Constabulary's current focus is the potential evidence discovered by the production company at the Clean Plate cafe last week and that is where our resources are being directed.
"During the course of the investigation into Mary Bastholm's disappearance over 250 different lines of enquiry were pursued.
"Following a complete review of the missing person file during the West inquiry, over 100 people were interviewed.
"The case has left an indelible mark on so many in Gloucester, but for those who worked on the case what they dealt with will live with them forever.
"The Fred West inquiry was the biggest investigation the Constabulary has ever undertaken but also the most harrowing and we are proud of the professionalism, dedication and sensitivity shown by all those who were involved in it at the time".