A garage linked to the murder of Suzy Lamplugh, who was last seen alive more than 30 years ago, is set to be dug up.
Estate agent Suzy, 25, from London, disappeared in July 1986 and was declared dead, presumed murdered, in 1994. A body has never been found.
Police are searching at a house in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, once owned by the mother of John Cannan – the prime suspect in Suzy’s killing.
The Met Police refused to comment on “speculation surrounding the search”.
However, it confirmed it was leading the operation, supported by officers from West Midlands Police.
’50-50 chance’
Homeowner Phillip Carey, 52, said he bought the house from John Cannan’s mother 26 years ago and was aware of the back story.
He told the BBC police were investigating a garage behind the semi-detached home, which he used to store DIY items and an old fridge.
The iron structure had been dismantled and police were particularly interested in what was underneath its concrete floor, Mr Carey said.
One of four children, Suzy was born and raised in East Sheen, south London.
Described by family and colleagues as a conscientious, outgoing and happy young woman, she worked as a beautician on the QE2 cruise liner before becoming an estate agent.
At the time of her disappearance, she had been living in a two-bedroom flat in Putney she had purchased a year earlier.
Her parents Diana and Paul, who have both since died, described her as someone who lived life to the full.
Speaking in 2016, Suzy’s father recalled a conversation where his wife “was chiding her for doing too much” and Suzy said: “Come on mum life is for living”.
While Suzy’s body has never been found, what is known of her final movements has been well documented.
She disappeared on 28 July 1986, after going to meet a client – known only as Mr Kipper – who was never traced.
Suzy took her keys and a purse containing £15 to the appointment in Fulham, south west London, but left her handbag at her office.
According to police, she was wearing a grey skirt, dark jacket and low stiletto heels when she was last seen.
Later that day, witnesses reported seeing her arguing with a man outside a property in Shorrolds Road.
When she failed to attend another appointment, her manager at Sturgis estate agents reported Suzy missing the same evening.
A few hours later, police found her company car outside a property for sale in Stevenage Road, one-and-a-half miles away from her original appointment.
The white Ford Fiesta had been left with its doors open and Suzy’s purse in the door pocket. The key was missing.
Investigations also traced the address given by Mr Kipper – and found no-one of that name.
No-one has ever been charged in connection with Suzy’s disappearance, but in 2002 police named convicted killer Cannan as the only suspect.
