A private detective who has been investigating the disappearance of estate agent Suzy Lamplugh has urged police to act on his findings after the latest search by officers found no evidence.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police had begun searching land in Pershore, Worcestershire, earlier this month as part of the investigation into the 1986 disappearance of Suzy Lamplugh.

But the Met Police said in a statement that no evidence was found.

The statement said: “The search started on July 3.

“It has involved the excavation of several areas of land, which was conducted with the assistance of archaeologists.

“The Met would like to thank West Mercia Police for their assistance, and also the landowners and local community for their cooperation and understanding.

“The ongoing investigation into Miss Lamplugh’s disappearance and suspected murder is being led by the Met’s Central Specialist Crime Command.

“We remain committed to securing justice for Suzy and her family, and officers will continue to assess any new information received in connection with this case.”

Anyone who knows anything that could assist the investigation is asked to call officers on 020 7230 4294.

Separately, ex-Scotland Yard detective David Videcette has been investigating the case and previously met with officers to discuss his findings that suggest Lamplugh didn’t disappear while on a viewing.

He believes the prime suspect John Cannan – who was separately given a life sentence for murder and sexual offences in 1988 – was not involved.

He said: “With the news that the Metropolitan Police has concluded its search of land around Drakes Broughton, Worcestershire, with nothing found, I now hope that the Met’s Special Casework Investigation Team will act on the evidence I provided.”

Videcette said he gave both a written statement and exhibits to the Metropolitan Police following a three-year self-funded investigation which suggested:

• Suzy Lamplugh did not have the keys to 37 Shorrolds Road, nor did she go there
• The key witness in the case made no confirmation of seeing Suzy in Shorrolds Road
• The artist’s impression of ‘Mr Kipper’ is therefore worthless
• Suzy placed the ‘Mr Kipper’ appointment in her diary to enable her to leave the office when it was short staffed
• Suzy actually left the office to conduct a personal errand during lunch, an appointment which has never been explored by police.

He added: “I wish to restate that the evidence which I have provided is completely new and points in an entirely different direction to that which the police have been following for the past 33 years.”