THE SEARCH for the remains of a man who went missing 15 years ago has been called off after “nothing of interest” was found.

Officers are this afternoon packing up the scene of the search at Gordon Road in Fareham where efforts have been concentrated in the search for any trace of Kevin John Palmer.

As previously reported following a review of the case officers took the decision to dig up the garden of a former pub in Fareham after intelligence suggested the remains of Mr Palmer who went missing in March 1999.

However following a second day of searching the property, detectives have said nothing has been found and closed that line of the investigation.

Det Supt Paul Barton said: “We have found nothing of significant interest I am satisfied that we have carried out a thorough search of the grounds so that line of enquiry is now closed.

“We continue to look at the evidence we have so far. We still appeal for witnesses to come forward anyone with any information in relation to the disappearance of Mr palmer should contact the police,.

“We would also like to thank the residents of Gordon road for their patience as we have caused a lot of disruption down here of over the past couple of days . The case is not closed we will continue to review any new lines of enquiry.

Gordon Road will get back to some normality now we have had some calls coming through over the last 24 hours or so and we appreciate that.”