Nothing found of missing man in excavations of East Heckington field say detectives

Detectives and forensics experts have spent two weeks using an excavator to comb the site at East Heckington, beside the A17, following up fresh information into his disappearance.

A police spokesman has told the Standard: “The excavation has now finished and nothing was found. Our investigation continues and we would like to thank the land owner for allowing us to complete this work.”

Mr Hewerdine was last seen at his home in Ruskington on November 21, 1996, heading for Sleaford to meet someone.

An investigation has been underway since this date, which police are now dealing with as murder, and they believed his remains could possibly be buried in the field at East Heckington, starting digging on Tuesday, November 1.

Detective Chief Inspector Martin Holvey, of the East Midlands Major Crime Unit, said: “Investigations of this kind are continually reviewed and cases of this nature are never forgotten. As part of our enquires we have identified new witnesses and leads which has led to us carrying out this work.

“We have sought consent from the land owner to undertake this work and I would like to thank them for their co-operation, particularly as they have only moved into this address in the last few years.

“The owners are not part of this investigation.

“I would urge anyone with any information or knowledge about how Michael disappeared who has not already come forward, or who has information they have not previously told the police, to contact my investigation team.”

Michael’s sister, Madeleine Judd, issued a video appeal and said: “My brother Mick has been missing for 20 years. He was born and brought up in Ruskington and most of his friends knew him as ‘Hewey’. He could often be seen at the local pub playing darts or snooker – which he was quite good at and won trophies for.

“We as his family really need closure. His mother, myself and his daughter – we all really need to know what has happened to him, so if you have any information whatsoever, please contact the police.”

Anyone with any information call 101 referring to incident 97 of 31/10/16 – or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.