The mother of missing Ben Needham expressed her distress after authorities informed her that South Yorkshire Police would no longer be responsible for any new investigations into her son's whereabouts. Instead, new information would be passed to Interpol and the Greek police.
An emotional mum was comforted during the latest episode of BBC Breakfast. Kerry Needham, the mother of missing Ben Needham , appeared on the latest episode of the morning programme on Wednesday .
Sheffield-born Ben disappeared on the Greek island of Kos back in 1991 at the age of 21 months. Despite one of the longest missing persons investigations in British history - including two excavations at the farmhouse where he was last seen - Ben's whereabouts currently remain unknown.
Kerry has said that she was recently informed that the South Yorkshire Police force would no longer be responsible for any new investigations and would pass new information to Interpol and the Greek police. The mother is devastated by this development and has urged the government to provide more resources to the investigation. Speaking to hosts Jon Kay and Sally Nugent on today's BBC Breakfast, Kerry said: "I was shocked.
I've always had a really good relationship with South Yorkshire Police.
"They've always been my lifeline. To receive this news that the crime happened in Greece, it's solely down to the Greek police to further investigate. Well, I know that they're not going to do that. They haven't done in 35 years, so why would anybody think that they're going to do that now?
I was horrified, gutted, heartbroken. I can't allow this to happen... That's not acceptable.
" Kerry went on: "It has to be down to the government now. The government has to step in. I have never complained about the resources that I've had, I've always been very, very respectful and grateful.
"Ben's investigation needs more resources putting into it. More funding, more officers, more time, more effort - not less. So, now I call on the government to step in and help me fix this problem and get me the support that I need, because I'm not going to be quiet anymore.
" Jon said: "I can feel that, I can feel your absolute anger," with Kerry replying: "I'm angry, I'm really, really angry. I am. I've always tried to remain calm, dignified and very respectful of the help and support that I've had over the years.
"Well, now it's not enough. The government has to do something now.
" Kerry said that she wanted the government to provide her with officers who have the time to help her, adding: "That's why my son deserves it, and that's what I deserve. " The mother then became emotional, breaking down in tears, saying, "Sorry," as she tried to compose herself. Jon then stepped in, saying, "Are you okay to continue? I know you really want people to hear your message.
" Kerry replied: "I need people to back me on this. " South Yorkshire Police have said that its role had always been a "conduit for information sharing" with the Greek authorities. A spokesperson said: "The investigation itself is led by the Greek authorities.
"As we approach the 35-year anniversary of the disappearance of Ben, we have reviewed our processes to ensure these remain fit-for-purpose and can withstand any increase in information flow. "Our resource allocation has not changed, as we continue to have a designated family liaison officer and detective inspector as the points of contact for all of the relevant agencies and Ben's family. The Greek investigation is open, and we believe it will remain open until a conclusion is reached.
" They concluded: "Our involvement in support of the investigation has not changed. We remain committed to supporting Ben's family and the investigation and fully appreciate the distress and trauma the family have been through and continues to go through. " BBC Breakfast airs daily on BBC One at 6am
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