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Death house father visits scene | Death house father visits scene |
(about 2 hours later) | |
The father of Dinah McNicol has visited the place where his daughter's body was found 16 years after she disappeared. | The father of Dinah McNicol has visited the place where his daughter's body was found 16 years after she disappeared. |
Ian McNicol, from Essex, went to the house in Margate, Kent, where police found the remains of Dinah, 18. | Ian McNicol, from Essex, went to the house in Margate, Kent, where police found the remains of Dinah, 18. |
"We can now put her to rest and grieve in our own time," he said, as searches continued at the house. | "We can now put her to rest and grieve in our own time," he said, as searches continued at the house. |
Another body, that of 15-year-old Vicky Hamilton, was also found last week. Peter Tobin, 61, has been charged in Scotland with the murder of Vicky. | Another body, that of 15-year-old Vicky Hamilton, was also found last week. Peter Tobin, 61, has been charged in Scotland with the murder of Vicky. |
Cases reopened | Cases reopened |
Mr McNicol, 68, was supported by a relative as he walked in the back garden of the property in Irvine Drive where his daughter's remains were found on Friday. | Mr McNicol, 68, was supported by a relative as he walked in the back garden of the property in Irvine Drive where his daughter's remains were found on Friday. |
She never returned home to Tillingham, Essex, from a trip to Hampshire in 1991. | She never returned home to Tillingham, Essex, from a trip to Hampshire in 1991. |
Ian McNicol visited the garden where his daughter's remains were found | Ian McNicol visited the garden where his daughter's remains were found |
Afterwards he told members of the media outside: "At least they have found her remains and I can speak for the whole family that we can now put her to rest and grieve in our own time, which is what we have wanted for 16 years. | Afterwards he told members of the media outside: "At least they have found her remains and I can speak for the whole family that we can now put her to rest and grieve in our own time, which is what we have wanted for 16 years. |
"I'd like to thank all the officers who've done their work so well. | "I'd like to thank all the officers who've done their work so well. |
"I will cry, but not in front of you lot," he added. | "I will cry, but not in front of you lot," he added. |
Formal identification of what is believed to be Dinah McNicol's body is expected to take some days. | Formal identification of what is believed to be Dinah McNicol's body is expected to take some days. |
The Forensic Science Service said it was "working around the clock". | The Forensic Science Service said it was "working around the clock". |
But based on the height and a distinctive item of jewellery described by her father, the police said they were sure the remains recovered were those of Miss McNicol. | But based on the height and a distinctive item of jewellery described by her father, the police said they were sure the remains recovered were those of Miss McNicol. |
'Heartfelt thanks' | |
On Monday, forensic archaeologists were carrying out detailed analysis of material gained from drilling through the concrete floors in the house, while officers examined rooms upstairs. | On Monday, forensic archaeologists were carrying out detailed analysis of material gained from drilling through the concrete floors in the house, while officers examined rooms upstairs. |
Police were using sniffer dogs inside the house in the search for any further human remains. | |
Digging also took place in the front garden "to ensure the property in its entirety is thoroughly examined", a police spokeswoman said. | |
Det Supt Tim Wills, leading the investigation for Essex Police, said in a statement: "We have now been in Irvine Drive for a week and there has obviously been a large influx of people into this residential area. | |
Annotated image of 50 Irvine Drive showing details of search.Enlarge Image | Annotated image of 50 Irvine Drive showing details of search.Enlarge Image |
"We are very grateful for the support and co-operation we have received from local residents, the local authority and other police forces. | |
"Having spoken with Dinah's father earlier today, he has asked me to pass on his heartfelt thanks to the family from this house for co-operating so willingly with the police to enable us to proceed with the investigation into his daughter's murder." | |
Essex Police spokeswoman Tabitha Wilson confirmed there had been no other significant discoveries at the property since Miss McNicol's body was found on Friday. | |
The body of Vicky Hamilton, from Redding near Falkirk, was recovered on 12 November. | |
She went missing in Bathgate, West Lothian, in 1991. | She went missing in Bathgate, West Lothian, in 1991. |
Peter Tobin, who used to live in the Margate property, was charged with her murder and appeared at Linlithgow Sheriff Court on Thursday. | Peter Tobin, who used to live in the Margate property, was charged with her murder and appeared at Linlithgow Sheriff Court on Thursday. |
The BBC cannot show pictures of Peter Tobin's face because of Scottish legal restrictions. | The BBC cannot show pictures of Peter Tobin's face because of Scottish legal restrictions. |
It is thought the discoveries in Margate have led to a number of other murder cases being re-examined. | It is thought the discoveries in Margate have led to a number of other murder cases being re-examined. |
One is believed to include the murder of Jessie Earl, who disappeared from Eastbourne in East Sussex in 1980 and was found dead nine years later. | One is believed to include the murder of Jessie Earl, who disappeared from Eastbourne in East Sussex in 1980 and was found dead nine years later. |