Police have renewed their search for a Wirral man who disappeared almost 25 years ago amid claims he may have been murdered.
Steven Preston was last seen leaving his home in Heath Road, Bebington for work on September 23, 1992 and reported missing by his family five days later.
Detectives investigating the disappearance recently received new information that the 23-year-old may have been killed and buried on land in the Eastham area.
Superintendent Ian Hassall, said: “Today 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, 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 Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.