Police investigate whether suspected human remains are those of Moors murder victim
Keith Bennett was 12-years-old when he was snatched and murdered
Last updated 30th Sep 2022
Greater Manchester Police are renewing their search for Keith Bennett, who was snatched and killed 58 years ago by Ian Brady and Myra Hindley.
He was one of five children murdered by the pair in the 1960s.
Whilst four of the children's bodies were found, Keith’s remains missing.
Greater Manchester Police started digging after suspected human remains were found and reported from an independent search.
In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said: “At around 11.25am on Thursday 29 September 2022, Greater Manchester Police was contacted by the representative of an author who has been researching the murder of Keith Bennett, a victim of Ian Brady and Myra Hindley.
“Following direct contact with the author, we were informed that he had discovered what he believes are potential human remains in a remote location on the Moors and he agreed to meet with officers yesterday afternoon to elaborate on his find and direct us to a site of interest.
“The site was assessed late last night and, this morning, specialist officers have begun initial exploration activity. We are in the very early stages of assessing the information which has been brought to our attention but have made the decision to act on it in line with a normal response to a report of this kind.
“It is far too early to be certain whether human remains have been discovered and this is expected to take some time.
“We have always said that GMP would act on any significant information which may lead to the recovery of Keith and reunite him with his family. As such, we have informed his brother of the potential development - he does not wish to be contacted at this time and asks that his privacy is respected.”
In 1966, Ian Brady and Myra Hindley were found guilty of torturing and killing three children, John Kilbride, 12, Lesley Ann Downey, 10, and Edward Evans, 17.
The pair then admitted to killing both Keith and Pauline Reade, 16 in 1985. Pauline’s body was recovered in 1987 but Keith’s had still not been found.
Brady was jailed for life in 1966 for the murders of John. Lesley Ann and Edward and died in 2017.
Hindley was also jailed for life after being convicted of killing Lesley Ann and Edward, as well as shielding Brady. She died in prison in 2002.