Forensic teams at cafe in Gloucester linked to serial killer Fred West

They're carrying out ongoing assessments in the cellar

Author: Isabel KimbreyPublished 13th May 2021

Forensic teams are carrying out ongoing assessments at the cafe which could be linked to a suspected victim of serial killer Fred West.

Three forensic archaeologists have attended the Clean Plate café and are in the cellar in order to continue with assessments.

Police have been there since last Friday after a TV crew filming a documentary found evidence which suggested a body could be buried there.

It's thought it could be link to the disappearance of 15-year-old Mary Bastholm in 1968.

Serial killer Fred West was also a regular at the cafe which was know then as the Pop-In cafe.

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".

The force have recently defended their decision not to previously search the cafe due to "insufficient evidence".

Fred West was questioned about her disappearance in interview but he denied any involvement. He said that Heather West was his last victim and that he had committed no other murders.

During the course of the investigation into Mary Bastholm's disappearance over 250 different lines of enquiry were pursued.

During his last interview at Gloucester Police Station on 13 May 1994, Fred West denied he had anything to do with the murder.

The spokesperson continued: "We plan to continue forensic assessments at the location until Monday, before a more considered decision around the extent of excavation can be made".

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