Ben Needham case: Police say support role unchanged amid UK probe shift

The mother of Ben Needham, a British toddler who disappeared in Greece 35 years ago, says she has been told that British police will no longer actively investigate his case, a development she describes as devastating. South Yorkshire Police, however, states its supportive role in the international investigation remains unchanged.

Kerry Needham said she was informed via a video call that the force's major crimes unit would no longer be responsible for investigative work, with future inquiries falling solely to Greek authorities. She expressed profound distress, stating she fears this will effectively end the search for her son, who was 21 months old when he vanished on July 24, 1991, from outside a farmhouse his grandparents were renovating on the island of Kos.

In response, South Yorkshire Police issued a statement saying it was deeply sorry for any confusion and that its involvement has not changed. The force said its role continues to be that of a conduit for information sharing between UK authorities, Interpol, and Greek police. Officials stated they maintain a dedicated family liaison officer and a detective as points of contact for the family and relevant agencies.