Specialist search officers from Merseyside Police are examining an area of land on the Wirral as part of an investigation in to the disappearance of a 23-year-old man more than 20 years ago.
Steven Preston, who lived in Heath Road, Bebington, with his mother, was reported missing on 23rd September 1992 and he hasn’t been seen since.
New information has recently been received by Merseyside Police which claims that Steven may have been killed and buried on land in the Eastham area of the Wirral.
Superintendent Ian Hassall, said: “Steven was last seen by his mum, Isobel, on 18th September 1992, he waved from his bedroom window to her when she left for work at 08:45am. Isobel said there had been no arguments and Steven had left home without his jacket or prescription for medication he was on.
“Steven was reported as missing to the police and his mum was also in contact with Missing Persons organisation (which is now known as Missing People).
“Inquiries were made by officers at the time, but Steven was never found.”
Superintendent Hassall, continued: “Today [Monday] a painstaking search is being carried out following information recently obtained by detectives, which suggest that Steven may have been murdered and buried in a specific area of land near to junction 5 of the M53 motorway. This work is being undertaken in a bid to find out what happened to Steven.
“Steven’s sister Jane, is aware of the information that has been received and is aware that we are conducting this search. Jane is still anxious to find out what happened to her brother after all these years.
Talking about her younger brother, Jane said: “My little brother went missing over 20 years ago. He lived in Bebington all his life. Bebington was a much smaller place than it is now and everybody knew everyone.
“Steve went to Brackenwood infants and junior school and then to New Chester Road secondary (Chegga Road), he might be better known by his nickname ‘Ghandi’. He was a gentle, kind and funny lad. He didn’t have a nasty bone in him. He was my friend. He adored my mum and it destroyed her when he disappeared. She knew instantly that he wouldn’t off just left and never contact her again and that something awful must have happened to him.
“After all this time has passed if anyone knows anything or heard anything at the time, no matter how insignificant if they could come forward it could help us find some answers.”
Detectives are appealing to anyone who may have known Steven and has information which could help them with their investigation to contact them.
Superintendent Ian Hassall, added: “Sadly, Steven’s mother, Isobel, and half-brother, Michael Connolly have died since his disappearance, never knowing what had happened to him.
“I would appeal to anyone who has any information about Steven’s disappearance to contact us. Information they have could be vital.
“The question still remains, where is Steven Preston? A young man in 20s doesn’t just leave home and vanish into thin air. Somebody, somewhere must know where he is, or what happened to him, and I would urge them to contact us as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information about Mr Preston is asked to contact Merseyside Police on 0151 777 8663, or the independent Crime stoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.