A police search is taking place for the body of a man murdered more than 20 years ago.
Jason Martin-Smith, 28, disappeared in August, 2001, in Hastings aged 28.
Mr Martin-Smith’s body has never been found, but officers have now been searching in woodland after a “viable” tip off.
Detective Inspector Simon Dunn, senior investigating officer, said: “Although the murder was solved, the victim’s body has never been found.
“We have always welcomed any new information which may tell us the whereabouts of the body, so we can give the victim’s family the answers they’ve waited so long for.
“A viable line of enquiry recently came to light and was followed-up on, which is what has led to this activity.
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“We are conducting incredibly thorough searches but this is understandably a very complex operation that will take some time to complete. The victim’s family are being supported and kept updated as the search progresses.
“Even after all this time, we remain committed to finding the victim’s body so he can be returned to his family and finally laid to rest.”
14 years after Mr Martin-Smith was killed, Mark Searle was jailed for a minimum of 29 years for the killing.
A jury at Lewes Crown Court heard in 2015 how Searle had dismembered Mr Martin-Smith’s body with an axe in a lock-up garage in Battle Road, Hastings.
Searle, now in his 40s, was found guilty of murder by majority verdict and sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 29 years.
He was also unanimously found guilty of conspiracy to kidnap as well as being convicted for perverting the course of justice by majority verdict.
The murder is believed to be linked to the killing of 27-year-old Jimmy Millen who was shot outside his Hastings home by two men on a motorbike in 2001. Mr Martin-Smith was an acquaintance of Mr Millen.
Mr Martin-Smith's abduction and murder came to light during the investigation into Mr Millen's death in October, 2021.
Today, nearly 22 years since the killing, Multiple police officers have investigated in woodland close to Marley Lane in Battle with a blue tent erected by the side of the site.
Officers appear to be holding shovels and other tools and are combing a section of the land.
Sussex Police added that the public can expect to see a continued police presence in the area while the search is ongoing but that there is no cause for concern or ongoing risk.
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