Police drop case of missing British toddler 35 years after he vanished in Greece
The investigation into the disappearance of British toddler Ben Needham has been officially closed by South Yorkshire Police after 35 years. Ben went missing in Greece in 1991, and despite extensive searches and inquiries, no trace of him has been found. His mother expressed heartbreak over the decision, feeling that the case will now be neglected by Greek authorities.
- ▪Ben Needham was 21 months old when he vanished on the Greek island of Kos in July 1991.
- ▪South Yorkshire Police have stated that the investigation will now be the responsibility of Greek authorities.
- ▪Kerry Needham, Ben's mother, described the police's decision as a 'devastating step backwards' in her search for answers.
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NewsUKCrimePolice drop case of missing British toddler 35 years after he vanished in GreeceSheffield-born Ben Needham went missing in Kos in July 1991 when he was just 21 months oldDan Haygarth Monday 18 May 2026 11:46 BSTBookmarkBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":false,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"b2978482","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/ben-needham-kos-missing-sheffield-b2978482.html","title":"Police drop case of missing British toddler 35 years after he vanished in Greece"}}From 2012: Kerry Needham on Kos visitFor free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox…
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