The family of Mary Bastholm has issued a statement as investigation work continues at the Clean Plate Cafe in Gloucester today.

Mary was 15 years old when she was reported missing on January 6, 1968 and she has never been found.

A police major crimes unit are currently investigating possible evidence at the building to suggest a body could be buried within the property, that was found by a production company on Friday.

The building has been linked to the disappearance of Mary Bastholm, a 15 year-old girl who was reported missing in 1968 and has never been found.

Her disappearance was previously linked to Fred West, who committed suicide in 1995 after confessing to rape, murder and child abuse, and there was suspicion he was involved in Mary’s death.

Officers could be at the site for number of week and say that the current work relates to assessments of the site, which are likely to take a number of days. Excavation work has not begun.

Mary's family said: “We are aware of the ongoing developments around Mary’s disappearance and are being kept up to date and supported by Gloucestershire Police Family Liaison Officers, at this time please may we ask for privacy so we can grieve for Mary and direct any media queries to Gloucestershire Police’s Press Office.”

Mary’s disappearance had previously been linked to serial killer Fred West and there was suspicion he was involved in her death.