Police at the scene of
the house search. Picture: Nick Johnson

Detectives investigating the
disappearance of missing dad Karl Hotchkiss have finished
excavating a house and garden in Gravesend but say no body has been
found.

Karl, known as Bert, was just 24 when he was
last seen on Sunday, April
11, 1993.

Sixteen years on, and the missing
person search has become a potential murder inquiry.

Police today completed a search of the property in Jubilee Crescent which started last Tuesday (5 May 2009). The officer in charge of the operation, Detective Chief Inspector Dave Withers said: "The search of the house and garden in Jubilee Crescent, Gravesend, has been completed and no body has been found.

"However, a number of items of interest have been discovered and are currently undergoing forensic examination. "I am unable to give further details of what these items are other than to say that I am satisfied the work that has been carried out has progressed the investigation. "The house will now be returned to the control of the local authority and I have updated Karl Hotchkiss's relatives with the result of the search. "I would very much like to thank the local residents of Jubilee Crescent and the surrounding area for their co-operation and patience while we carried out this essential investigative work. "I am still very keen to hear from anyone with information around Karl Hotchkiss's disappearance 16 years ago."

The family at 70 Jubilee Crescent, Gravesend, were
rehoused while the police carried out the detailed search,
initially expected to take two weeks.

A spokesman said the current
occupants are not connected in any way to the investigation.

Karl's sister Kelly, who still lives in Gravesend, said the
not knowing had left her in 'constant torment'.

The 39-year-old said: "Ever since Bert went missing, I have been
in limbo. It's a constant torment not knowing where he is. There is
not a day that goes by that I do not think about it. It's a part of
my life I can not shut off until I know what happened."

Karl had been out
over the Easter weekend at what was The Old Manor Shades pub, Manor
Road, Gravesend (now The Manor) and the Station Inn pub, Gravesend
(now Bar 24, Station Road).

Sorry, this video asset has been removed.

Audio: Det Ch Insp Dave
Withers explains why the house is being searched.

Officers are receiving specialist assistance
from the Home Office Scientific Development Branch () and
forensic scientists.

A mobile police station will be sited at
Jubilee Crescent for the duration of the search. This will be open
24 hours a day for anyone who has any concerns or information about
the investigation.

Karl's sister Kelly added: "He went missing just eight months after our mum died. I know he wouldn't have just left me like that, so soon afterwards. "I'm shocked and do not know how to feel about the latest part of this investigation. I am bewildered. I hope they (the police) find something so that the torment will end, but if they do then the worst will have happened."

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Karl Hotchkiss should ring the incident room on 01634 884011. Alternatively, you can ring Kent Crimestoppers
anonymously on 0800 555 111.