Hunt for Sarah Wellgreen continues as Kent Search and Rescue called to Dartford
12:21, 08 December 2019
updated: 15:43, 09 December 2019
Crews were called out this weekend to continue in the search for Sarah Wellgreen.
Kent Search and Rescue (KSAR) were deployed in Dartford as part of the ongoing hunt for the body of the missing mum-of-five.
The water search team were called in to scout out the a river yesterday following a call from a member of the public.
State of the art sonar equipment was used and a number of targets were investigated by a specialist team, but were later ruled out.
Spokesman for KSAR Stewart Baird said: “We remain committed to supporting Kent Police’s ongoing search for Sarah Wellgreen and executed a planned operation earlier today.
"Unfortunately we were not successful finding Sarah’s body and as such the search will continue."
Mr Baird explained they couldn't give out exact locations they were searching for operational reasons but no further plans to search this weekend.
Kristina Curtis reports on Ben Lacomba's trial
Ms Wellgreen's ex-partner Ben Lacomba, 39, was jailed for life in November after a jury found him guilty of murdering the 46-year-old, who he lived with in Bazes Shaw, New Ash Green.
His refusal to confess where her body is has cost police more than £780,000 as detectives, officers, search teams and volunteers endeavour to find the beautician's body.
During the trial PS Ryan Law told Woolwich Crown Court that to date 1,250 sites had been searched with 115 officers employed each day, and figures subsequently released by Kent Police show a total of £780,831 has been spent on the search.
A breakdown of expenses show £386,853 of that went on extra officers, £315,185 on overtime; £55,807 on accommodation, £21,789 on meals, and £1,195 on specialist equipment and tools.
A total of 166 extra officers from other police forces were brought in to help with the search.
Ms Wellgreen was last seen on October 9 last year, one day after securing a new job selling beauty products.
The following night she arrived home, and went to her room, where she sent texts to friends - telling one: "There's always something to look forward to, you just need to open your eyes a bit more and dream."
Those messages were the last anyone heard from her, and she was never seen again.
