THE search for the remains of a suspected murder victim who went missing almost 15 years ago has been called off after "nothing of interest" was found.

Detectives from Hampshire Police swooped on the garden of a disused pub in Fareham, near Portsmouth, on Tuesday (February 4) morning.

They were looking for the body of Kevin John Palmer, who is understood to have family living in Darlington.

Officers took the decision to dig up the garden of the former Gordon Arms pub following a cold case review of Mr Palmer’s disappearance.

After two days of searching the property, detectives said nothing has been found and closed that line of the investigation.

Detective Superintendent Paul Barton said: “We have found nothing of significant interest I am satisfied that we have carried out a thorough search of the grounds so that line of inquiry is now closed.

“We continue to look at the evidence we have so far. We still appeal for witnesses to come forward anyone with any information in relation to the disappearance of Mr Palmer should contact the police,.

Mr Palmer, who was in his 30s, disappeared shortly after arriving in the UK from Spain where he was living at the time, according to police.

A man was arrested in 2003, on suspicion of Mr Palmer’s murder, but he was later released with no further action due to insufficient evidence.

A second man was interviewed in Spain, the spokesman said.

An inquest into Mr Palmer’s death in 2009 recorded an open verdict.