THE cost of an excavation of land on the Greek holiday isle of Kos in the search for Sheffield-born Ben Needham cost more than £52,000.
South Yorkshire Police led the search in October last year to rule out the theory that toddler Ben might have been buried accidentally on the island when he went missing in 1991.
A team of 20 officers – including 10 from South Yorkshire Police – travelled to Kos and used specialist scanners to help search land.
Now South Yorkshire Police have revealed the trip cost at least £52,331.92 – and the final figure has yet to be finalised.
The cost of the investigation is to be covered by the Home Office.
A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “The total number of staff was 20, of which 10 were South Yorkshire Police staff.
“This included dog handlers, investigating and family liaison officers, staff from other forces, and a pathologist.
“The cost of the operation so far is £52,331.92.”
The spokesman added: “This figure is almost final. The costs of the operation are being met by the Home Office.”
Ben was 21 months old when he vanished while playing outside a farmhouse his grandparents Eddie and Christine were in the process of renovating.
His mum Kerry Grist, aged 40, from Ecclesfield, has always been convinced her son was abducted and is still alive.
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