Police search for body of missing Lancing father after tip off

Sussex Police are searching Brooklands Pleasure Park, in Worthing, this morning after they received an anonymous tip off that missing Lancing man Mark Manning’s body could be found there.
Fire and Rescue checking lake at Brookland Pleasure Park Worthing for body of Mark Manning SUS-150428-123241001Fire and Rescue checking lake at Brookland Pleasure Park Worthing for body of Mark Manning SUS-150428-123241001
Fire and Rescue checking lake at Brookland Pleasure Park Worthing for body of Mark Manning SUS-150428-123241001

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Ashcroft, who has been dealing with Mark’s disappearance since last June, said the tip off suggests he met a violent end.

He said: “The information we have got is that he has been subjected to crime and killed, but we don’t know exactly where this took place or why.

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“It’s been relatively vague but this is close to Mark’s address, and close to his friends and associates.

“We’re going to search the most relevant areas – just the Pleasure Park, lake and potentially the East Worthing Sewage Works.”

Mark, 54, of Brighton Road, was last seen on April 19 2014 before his family reported him missing on April 22. They said it was completely out of character for him to disappear.

The West Sussex Fire and Rescue team are searching the lake, whilst police officers are using victim recovery dogs to search the park.

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The father-of-two was a former military bomb disposal expert, well travelled and worked for the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), a charity that removes landmines and other dangers in some of the world’s poorest countries.

Detectives launched a murder investigation last June. A year on and despite extensive proof of life enquiries and searches, his body has not been found.

“The family are desperate to find out where he is,” added Mr Ashcroft.

Pick up this week’s Worthing and Lancing Herald for the full report this Thursday, April 30.