Ian Brady dead: Moors Murders investigation will never be closed, say police

'Brady's death does not change that'

Greater Manchester Police have said they will never close the case of Moors Murder victim Keith Bennett, despite the death of Ian Brady.

Martin Bottomley, head of the force's Cold Case Review Unit, said officers would act on "credible and actionable" information which would help them find the body of 12-year-old Keith.

He said: "Whilst we are not actively searching Saddleworth Moors, Greater Manchester Police will never close this case.

"Brady's death does not change that."

Brady, who tortured and killed five children with his partner Myra Hindley, died aged 79 at Ashworth Hospital, where he was receiving palliative care.

At a court hearing in February lawyers said he had been bedridden for the last couple of years and it was "fair to say" he was terminally ill, with emphysema among his ailments.

His partner Hindley died in prison in 2002.

In 2013 he asked to be moved to a Scottish prison so he could not be force fed, as he could be in hospital, and where he could be allowed to die if he wishes.

His request was rejected after Ashworth medical experts said he had chronic mental illness and needed continued care in hospital.

Terry Kilbride, whose brother John, 12, was also murdered by Brady, begged him to tell police where he dumped the body of Keith Bennett, who went missing aged 12 in 1964.

He told The Sun: “It’s a lot to take in. It’s been years and years of anguish and pain for us and the families of the victims.

“But nothing will change. He’s dead but we will have to still live with the nightmare that he left behind.

“He’s ruined our lives all these years and he’ll still ruin it even though he’s gone. I feel numb.

“He was a murderous psychopath. There are no other words to describe what he was. A complete lunatic. Good riddance.

“I don’t drink, but I’ll have a pint.”

Norie Miles, a close friend of Keith's mother, Winnie Johnson, said Keith's brother Alan would continue to search for his body.

She said: "Alan is still searching for Keith and has areas of interest. He will never give up and none of us will ever give up supporting him.

"Our thoughts are with him and all the other families as well."

Additional reporting by agencies