Men held over alleged 1992 murder

Officers have been searching remote farmland near Hexham, Northumberland, for Janet Brown, who has not been seen since 2005.

Northumbria Police have arrested a 59-year-old Tynedale man and a 44-year-old man from Newcastle on suspicion of murdering Michael Straughan, who disappeared from the city in June 1992 aged 38.

Numerous inquiries, including an appeal on the BBC's Crimewatch show, drew a blank.

Detective chief inspector Nicola Musgrove, who is leading the investigation, said: "Further information has come to light which has led to the arrest of two men on suspicion of murder.

"As this is a live inquiry we are unable to go into more details but at this stage there is no obvious link between Michael Straughan and Janet Brown.

"While we appreciate Mr Straughan's disappearance was more than 20 years ago, we would ask that anyone who has information about him or knew him to get in touch.

"Our inquiries into the whereabouts of Janet Brown continue and searches of land are progressing well."

Last Monday police announced they were searching a 40-acre farm at Sparty Lea in West Tynedale for Ms Brown's body.

It emerged a 59-year-old Tynedale man had been arrested on suspicion of her murder in December and had been bailed pending further inquiries.

Ms Brown was a TV extra who went missing eight years ago, before she could claim her parents' estate which was reportedly worth £1m.

There has been no confirmed sighting of the then 45-year-old, who lived in the Lowgate area of Hexham, since June 2005.

Anyone with information about either case should call Northumbria Police on 101 extension 69191 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.