The mother of Ben Needham, the toddler who vanished on the Greek island of Kos in 1991, has expressed devastation after South Yorkshire Police informed her they would no longer actively investigate his disappearance.
Background of the Case
Ben Needham was 21 months old when he went missing on Kos while staying with his grandparents. His mother, Kerry Needham, has spent decades searching for answers. The case has been one of the most high-profile missing child investigations involving British authorities abroad.
Police Decision
Kerry Needham said she was told by South Yorkshire Police that Greek authorities now have full primacy over the investigation. However, SYP will continue to provide a Family Liaison Officer and a detective as a point of contact. Ms Needham described this decision as a devastating step backwards and fears that without SYP's active involvement, the case will not be properly pursued by Greek police.
Public Appeal
Ms Needham is urging the public to contact South Yorkshire Police and Sir Keir Starmer to advocate for the case to remain actively investigated by the UK force. She believes that only continued British involvement can ensure justice for Ben.
The development marks a significant shift in one of the UK's most enduring missing person cases, leaving the family feeling abandoned by the authorities they had relied on for over three decades.
