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'it's never too late'

Ben Needham’s mum makes fresh plea for information ahead of 26th anniversary of his disappearance

BEN Needham's mum has made a fresh appeal to find the tot's body ahead of the 26-year anniversary of his disappearance.

Kerry Needham has told those who know of his whereabouts that it is "never too late" to speak up, as she prepares to mark another 12 months without her beloved son.

 21-month-old Ben Needham disappeared in July 1991, while holidaying on the Greek island of Kos
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21-month-old Ben Needham disappeared in July 1991, while holidaying on the Greek island of KosCredit: PA:Press Association

Little Ben disappeared on July 24 1991 while staying on the Greek island of Kos with Kerry and her parents.

He was just 21 months old.

The mum-of-two, who has been tirelessly searching for Ben ever since, was told by detectives last year that they fear her son was killed by a digger.

With the anniversary approaching, Kerry has posted a new message on the Find Ben Needham official Facebook page urging people with clues to come forward.

She wrote: "If anyone knows anything about Ben's disappearance it's still never too late to come forward with that information.

"No matter how insignificant you think it is please contact us or South Yorkshire Police."

 Ben's mum Kerry has made a fresh plea for information as to her son's whereabouts ahead of the 26th anniversary of his disappearance
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Ben's mum Kerry has made a fresh plea for information as to her son's whereabouts ahead of the 26th anniversary of his disappearanceCredit: PA:Press Association

Since writing her plea, Kerry has received many messages of support from followers of her heartbreaking campaign.

One wrote: "Someone knows where Ben is. I don't understand why they have kept quiet after all these years."

Another added: "Wish this nightmare could end for you all, sending love to everyone x."

One person simply said: "Never give up hope."

Detectives from Yorkshire Police travelled to Kos and renewed their search for Ben last September, following claims that digger driver Konstantinos Barkas, known as Dino, may have been responsible.

After excavating the site where Ben was last seen, it was confirmed officers had found 93 objects of interest, including a red toy car belonging to the tot.

Kerry was later seen collapsing in tears as she and family members visited the spot where it is feared Ben was killed.

 South Yorkshire Police and members of the Greek rescue service (red) sift through soil at the search site of the missing toddler last year
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South Yorkshire Police and members of the Greek rescue service (red) sift through soil at the search site of the missing toddler last yearCredit: Getty Images

She later said: "They know he's dead but just can’t find him. Police said it’s time we ended our 25-year search.

"They are right but I can’t say goodbye knowing he’s still on that island somewhere. I feel physically sick. I can’t feel any worse than I do."

Since then, despite several appeals made by Kerry, the case has again turned cold.

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