Samishlol
19-11-2007, 09:56 PM
The father of Dinah McNicol has visited the place where his daughter's body was found 16 years after she disappeared.
Ian McNicol, from Essex, went to the house in Margate, Kent, where police found the remains of Dinah, 18.
"We can now put her to rest and grieve in our own time," he said, as searches continued at the house.
Another body, that of 15-year-old Vicky Hamilton, was also found last week. Peter Tobin, 61, has been charged in Scotland with the murder of Vicky.
Cases reopened
Mr McNicol, 68, was supported by a relative as he walked in the back garden of the property in Irvine Drive where his daughter's remains were found on Friday.
She never returned home to Tillingham, Essex, from a trip to Hampshire in 1991.
Afterwards he told members of the media outside: "At least they have found her remains and I can speak for the whole family that we can now put her to rest and grieve in our own time, which is what we have wanted for 16 years.
"I'd like to thank all the officers who've done their work so well.
"I will cry, but not in front of you lot," he added.
Formal identification of what is believed to be Dinah McNicol's body is expected to take some days.
The Forensic Science Service said it was "working around the clock".
But based on the height and a distinctive item of jewellery described by her father, the police said they were sure the remains recovered were those of Miss McNicol.
'Heartfelt thanks'
On Monday, forensic archaeologists were carrying out detailed analysis of material gained from drilling through the concrete floors in the house, while officers examined rooms upstairs.
Police were using sniffer dogs inside the house in the search for any further human remains.
Digging also took place in the front garden "to ensure the property in its entirety is thoroughly examined", a police spokeswoman said.
Det Supt Tim Wills, leading the investigation for Essex Police, said in a statement: "We have now been in Irvine Drive for a week and there has obviously been a large influx of people into this residential area.
Ian McNicol, from Essex, went to the house in Margate, Kent, where police found the remains of Dinah, 18.
"We can now put her to rest and grieve in our own time," he said, as searches continued at the house.
Another body, that of 15-year-old Vicky Hamilton, was also found last week. Peter Tobin, 61, has been charged in Scotland with the murder of Vicky.
Cases reopened
Mr McNicol, 68, was supported by a relative as he walked in the back garden of the property in Irvine Drive where his daughter's remains were found on Friday.
She never returned home to Tillingham, Essex, from a trip to Hampshire in 1991.
Afterwards he told members of the media outside: "At least they have found her remains and I can speak for the whole family that we can now put her to rest and grieve in our own time, which is what we have wanted for 16 years.
"I'd like to thank all the officers who've done their work so well.
"I will cry, but not in front of you lot," he added.
Formal identification of what is believed to be Dinah McNicol's body is expected to take some days.
The Forensic Science Service said it was "working around the clock".
But based on the height and a distinctive item of jewellery described by her father, the police said they were sure the remains recovered were those of Miss McNicol.
'Heartfelt thanks'
On Monday, forensic archaeologists were carrying out detailed analysis of material gained from drilling through the concrete floors in the house, while officers examined rooms upstairs.
Police were using sniffer dogs inside the house in the search for any further human remains.
Digging also took place in the front garden "to ensure the property in its entirety is thoroughly examined", a police spokeswoman said.
Det Supt Tim Wills, leading the investigation for Essex Police, said in a statement: "We have now been in Irvine Drive for a week and there has obviously been a large influx of people into this residential area.