The family of Mary Bastholm has called for privacy while police continue to search a Gloucester cafe after fresh information about her disappearance in 1968.

Mary was 15 when she vanished, having last been seen at a bus stop on Bristol Road, and her disappearance has long been linked to serial killer Fred West.

Police said they are investigating the Clean Plate cafe in Southgate Street, the site of a previous cafe where Mary worked, after receiving information from a TV production making a documentary about the case.

Officers are likely to be on the site for several weeks with assessment of the site taking place before any possible excavation work begins.

In a statement, Mary's family said: "We are aware of the ongoing developments around Mary's disappearance and are being kept up to date and supported by Gloucestershire police family liaison officers.

"At this time please may we ask for privacy so we can grieve for Mary."

Assistant Chief Constable Craig Holden said the information "could be a significant development".

He said: "On the basis of the information provided to us, we consider this to be new and potentially important evidence in the case of Mary Bastholm.

"Further detailed assessments will take place over the following few days to determine the extent of excavation needed.

"First and foremost our thoughts are with Mary's family and we would ask that their privacy is respected at this difficult time."

Police warned there could be some disruption in the area while work continue.

Anyone who has any new information relating to the disappearance of Mary Bastholm can complete the online referencing incident 99 of May 11 at https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/