A mother whose son has been missing for 35 years broke down in tears live on BBC Breakfast as hosts Jon Kay and Sally Nugent offered their support.
Emotional Interview on BBC Breakfast
Kerry Needham, the mother of Ben Needham, appeared on the morning programme on Wednesday, May 20, to discuss the latest developments in her son's case. Ben, from Sheffield, disappeared on the Greek island of Kos in 1991 when he was just 21 months old. Despite extensive investigations, including two excavations at the farmhouse where he was last seen, his whereabouts remain unknown.
Police Decision Sparks Outrage
Kerry revealed that she had recently been informed that South Yorkshire Police would no longer be responsible for new investigations into Ben's disappearance. Instead, any new information would be passed to Interpol and the Greek police. The mother expressed her devastation and anger at this decision, stating that the Greek authorities have not made progress in 35 years.
Speaking to hosts Jon Kay and Sally Nugent, Kerry said: "I was shocked. I've always had a really good relationship with South Yorkshire Police. They've always been my lifeline. To receive this news that the crime happened in Greece, it's solely down to the Greek police to further investigate. Well, I know that they're not going to do that. They haven't done in 35 years, so why would anybody think that they're going to do that now? I was horrified, gutted, heartbroken. I can't allow this to happen... That's not acceptable."
Call for Government Intervention
Kerry urged the government to step in and provide more resources for the investigation. She said: "It has to be down to the government now. The government has to step in. I have never complained about the resources that I've had, I've always been very, very respectful and grateful. Ben's investigation needs more resources putting into it. More funding, more officers, more time, more effort - not less. So, now I call on the government to step in and help me fix this problem and get me the support that I need, because I'm not going to be quiet anymore."
Jon Kay responded: "I can feel that, I can feel your absolute anger," to which Kerry replied: "I'm angry, I'm really, really angry. I am. I've always tried to remain calm, dignified and very respectful of the help and support that I've had over the years. Well, now it's not enough. The government has to do something now."
Tears on Air
As Kerry became emotional and began to cry, she apologised, saying "Sorry," while trying to compose herself. Jon Kay stepped in, asking: "Are you okay to continue? I know you really want people to hear your message." Kerry responded: "I need people to back me on this."
Police Response
South Yorkshire Police issued a statement clarifying their role. A spokesperson said: "Our involvement in support of the investigation has not changed. We remain committed to supporting Ben's family and the investigation and fully appreciate the distress and trauma the family have been through and continues to go through." They added that the Greek investigation remains open and that their resource allocation has not changed, with a designated family liaison officer and detective inspector in place.
BBC Breakfast airs daily on BBC One at 6am.
