Detectives investigating the disappearance of missing dad Karl Hotchkiss have finished excavating a house and garden in Gravesend but say no body has been found.

1993., April 11,Mr Hotchkiss, known as Bert, was just 24 when he was last seen on Sunday

Sixteen years on, and the missing person search has become a potential murder inquiry.

Police today completed a search of the property in Jubilee Crescent which started last Tuesday. The officer in charge of the operation, Det Ch Insp Dave Withers, said: "The search of the house and garden has been completed and no body has been found.

"However, a number of items of interest have been discovered and are undergoing forensic examination.

"I'm unable to give further details of what these items are other than to say I'm satisfied the work carried out has progressed the investigation."

Det Ch Insp Withers thanked local residents for their patience while the search was carried out. He said 70 Jubilee Crescent would be returned to the control of the local authority.

The current occupants were rehoused while the police carried out search, which was initially expected to take two weeks. A spokesman said they are not connected in any way to the investigation.

Mr Hotchkiss' family have been informed of the result of the search. His sister Kelly, who still lives in Gravesend, said the not knowing had left her in "constant torment".

The 39-year-old said: "Ever since Bert went missing, I have been in limbo. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about it. It's a part of my life I can not shut off until I know what happened."

Karl had been out over the Easter weekend at what was The Old Manor Shades pub, Manor Road, Gravesend (now The Manor) and the Station Inn pub, Gravesend (now Bar 24, Station Road).

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 01634 884011 or Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

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