THE father of murdered teenager Vicky Hamilton paid an emotional visit to the house in Kent where her remains were discovered.

Michael Hamilton laid flowers at the shallow grave where his 15-year-old daughter was found in the back garden of 50 Irvine Drive, Margate. She had been missing since 1991.

Accompanied by members of his family Mr Hamilton's visit on Sunday has begun the long-awaited healing process after 16 years of waiting.

Earlier on Sunday he met with grieving father Ian McNicol at his Essex home whose daughter's remains and jewellery were also unearthed from the back garden as part of a detailed police investiation.

Dinah McNicol, 18, disappeared in August 1991 after leaving a music festival in Hampshire.

A candlet-lit vigil was held outside the house on Saturday evening led by the Rev Arthur Houston from nearby Holy Trinity church at Cliftonville. He offered prayers for the girls, their families and the community that has been at the centre of the high profile inquiry.

The fate of the property, which is now boarded up, will be decided by Thanet council following consultation with residents. One option is demolition although Cllr Zita Wiltshire, council cabinet member for housing said it is too early to tell what the outcome will be.

She said: "Those living nearby have suffered a psychological blow with all that's gone on - it has been unnerving andf unsettling."

Former resident Nicola Downing, 37, and her family have been rehoused by the district council.

Assistant Chief Constable Peter Lowton said: "When Essex Police arrived to begin work at Irvine Drive on Monday, November 12, it was with the clear intention of finding information that would help our investigation into the disappearance of Dinah McNicol, who went missing some 16 years ago.

"You will not need reminding of the discoveries that have in fact been made this past fortnight. However, as we conclude our work at this house, I would like to take this opportunity to tell you what I can about our investigation, and where we go from here.

"On Monday, November 12, the body of who we now know is Vicky Hamilton was discovered buried in the back garden. Vicky went missing from Bathgate in Scotland in 1991. This investigation is being led by Lothian and Borders Police and a man has been charged with Vicky's murder.

"On Friday, November 16, the body of 18-year-old Dinah McNicol was found. The discovery of two bodies has been shocking and our thoughts are with both families at this distressing time.

"I only hope that this can begin to give them the closure and opportunity to grieve they have waited so long for.

"Every inch of this property has been searched and forensically examined. Having completed this physical work, the house has now been boarded up and is being preserved pending the next phase of the investigation. This is with the full support of Thanet District Council.

"The task now is to assess the evidence and build a case against the person, or people, responsible."