Murder arrests over man missing for 33 years

John Bowkett was last seen in summer 1992 and was reported missing the following year

Detectives investigating the disappearance of a man over 30 years ago have arrested two people on suspicion of murder.

John Bowkett, from Woodlands, in Doncaster, was 37 when he was reported missing in January 1993, after having not been seen since July the previous year.

Two men, 64 and 72, were arrested on Monday and remained in custody, according to South Yorkshire Police. Meanwhile, searches had been carried out at three addresses in Barnsley, Goole and Buxton.

Searches were also being carried out at Ulceby Vale Quarry in North Lincolnshire and there would be a police presence at the site over the coming days, a force spokesperson said.

The arrests and searches came following a recent review of the case by South Yorkshire Police's major crime unit, they added.

Det Ch Insp Benjamin Wood said: "John is a dad-of-three and now a grandfather to two children. His family have been informed of this latest development and they remain at the forefront of our minds as we progress our inquiries."

Members of Mr Bowkett's family were "desperate for answers" and appealed to anyone with information to get in touch because any detail "could prove crucial" even if it seemed insignificant, Det Ch Insp Wood added.

"We are very grateful to those who contacted us at the time of his disappearance, but if you didn't and have information which you think may be useful, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us."

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North