DETECTIVES hunting for the body of missing estate agent Suzy Lamplugh have moved off the former brick works near Worcester after drawing a blank.

Police yesterday concluded their five-day search of the Norton site near the M5, triggered by information received during the summer.

Officers using dogs trained to identify human remains joined divers and forensic archaeologists in combing a copse and lake at the site.

Det Supt Shaun Sawyer, of the Metropolitan Police, said he was glad the search had taken place, but said it was unlikely police would return to the works or the village's former Army barracks.

"We were cautious at the beginning of the week and unfortunately it appears we were right to sound such caution," he said.

"There is no doubt in our minds we needed to do this search in order to prove or disprove to ourselves whether Suzy was here.

"We've taken a focused and intelligent approach to this search. This was the most appropriate site to start on and we've done what we sought to do."

Norton has long been linked to Miss Lamplugh's disappearance, though this is the first time officers have carried out any excavation.

The hunt will move to another site in the UK next year, but police would not reveal its location.

The detective said he was "extremely optimistic" about finding the body of the missing 25 year old, who vanished in 1986 after showing a 'Mr Kipper' around a house in West London.

"This inquiry has been very successful," Det Supt Sawyer said.

"The investigation has progressed enormously over recent months and we are very optimistic for the future.

"And although it's unlikely the body is in this area, it's not impossible. I have spoken to the family who have been very brave and remain optimistic."

Det Supt Sewyer also thanked people living in Worcester for their support and help during the excavation.