The main suspect in the disappearance of Suzy Lamplugh is on his deathbed, leading to fresh hopes from the family that he will finally reveal what happened to her before he dies.

John Cannan, 68, who is already serving 35 years in prison for a separate murder, was named as the prime suspect by police in the disappearance of the 25-year-old estate agent in Fulham, west London, in July 1986.

The investigation into the disappearance of London estate agent Lamplugh remains ongoing 36 years after she disappeared.

Lamplugh left her west London offices to meet a mystery applicant known only as “Mr Kipper” for a property viewing – but she was never seen again.

Her car, a white Ford Fiesta, was found abandoned in Stevenage Road, Fulham.

The Metropolitan Police have said detectives remain committed to the investigation. They have conducted a series of digs in search of the body including in Worcestershire just three years ago.

Police did not name Cannan as the prime suspect in Lamplugh’s disappearance and murder until 2002. But the Crown Prosecution Service said there was insufficient evidence to charge him.

Cannan has always denied any involvement in Lamplugh’s murder, even as he receives end-of-life palliative care in Full Sutton jail, East Yorks.

Nonetheless, Lamplugh’ family remain hopeful that they might finally get some answers, which will explain what happened to her, and also where her body is.

Lamplugh’s brother, Richard, pleaded with Cannan to tell the truth before he died.

He told the Mirror: “I would like Cannan, if he does know, to tell us what happened to Suze. After all these years, I would like him to finally let us know what happened.

“It would mean a lot to the family.”