Police search for body of man murdered more than 20 years ago
An operation is taking place in Battle near Hastings
Last updated 31st Mar 2023
Sussex Police are carrying out searches for the body of a man from Surrey who was murdered more than 20 years ago.
The operation is understood to be in connection with the death of 28-year-old Jason Martin-Smith, from Camberley, who was abducted in Hastings, in August 2001, but his body has not been found.
Mark Searle, 36, from St Leonards, was found guilty of his murder, conspiracy to kidnap and perverting the course of justice at Lewes Crown Court in 2015 and jailed for life to serve a minimum of 29 years.
Now police are carrying out searches near Marley Lane in Battle, Hastings, although the force would not confirm that the operation is in connection with the death of Mr Martin-Smith.
A spokesman said: "Police are conducting searches near Marley Lane, in Battle, after new information was received in relation to an historic murder investigation.
"The information relates to the potential location of the body of a man who was killed in 2001."
Detective Inspector Simon Dunn, senior investigating officer, said: "Although the murder was solved, the victim's body has never been found.
"We have always welcomed any new information which may tell us the whereabouts of the body, so we can give the victim's family the answers they've waited so long for.
"A viable line of inquiry recently came to light and was followed-up on, which is what has led to this activity.
"We are conducting incredibly thorough searches but this is understandably a very complex operation that will take some time to complete.
"The victim's family are being supported and kept updated as the search progresses.
"Even after all this time, we remain committed to finding the victim's body so he can be returned to his family and finally laid to rest."