POLICE officers investigating the disappearance of estate agent Suzy Lamplugh in 1986 were earlier today digging in a field outside Pershore.

Police vans were seen in a layby off the A44 just outside Drakes Broughton, with officers digging in the field behind.

The Metropolitan Police press office confirmed that the search related to the disappearance of Suzy Lamplugh, and was being carried out with the assistance of colleagues from West Mercia.

A spokesman said: "Officers received new information about Miss Lamplugh’s disappearance following the publicity around the search of a property in Sutton Coldfield in November 2018, as part of this investigation.

"All information was reviewed. Information relating to the areas we are currently searching was assessed and the decision was taken to make further enquiries.

"We will not be commenting on any speculation surrounding the search.

"Miss Lamplugh's family have been notified.

"The ongoing investigation into Miss Lamplugh’s disappearance being led by the Met’s Central Specialist Crime Command.

"Officers will continue to assess any new information received in connection with this case.

"Anyone that knows anything that could assist the investigation is asked to call officers on 0207 230 4294.

"The landowner is in no way connected to the search being undertaken, or the investigation."

Suzy Lamplugh was an estate agent, born in Cheltenham, who went missing in July 1986 in Fulham, London. She was officially declared dead, presumed murdered, in 1994. Her disappearance is generally considered one of the most puzzling mysteries of recent decades.

In August 2010, police began searching a field off the B4084 between Pershore and Drakes Broughton, about three miles from the former Norton Barracks in Worcestershire, where a search had previously been carried out in December 2000 and February 2001.

In December 2000, police had also searched a nearby brickworks, which had been mentioned in several of the original witness statements. The 2010 search proved unsuccessful and Lamplugh's remains were not found.