POLICE investigating the disappearance of a former miner three years ago have concluded a search of a former pit site - without finding anything of significance.

Edward Donnelly was 53 when he vanished from his home in Fynway, Sacriston, County Durham, on March 25, 2002.

Police, acting on information have dug up an old concrete air raid shelter near the old pit site on Blackett's Bank, Old Acorn Lane, Sacriston, on Monday. They also searched surrounding woodland and ravines. And yesterday they examined what transpired to be a shallow hole which formed part of the old mine workings.

Detective Inspector Jeff Watson said last night: "We have now finished our search and have found nothing of apparent significance.

"The area we looked at this morning was within the confines of our planned search, but we had to take specialist advice from former Coal Board officials until we went ahead, and that is why it was left until last."

He added: "We will continue to look for Mr Donnelly and will pursue other lines of inquiry.

"We remain determined to find out what has happened to him and would urge people of Sacriston community, to which he belonged, to help establish that."

Earlier this year, John Pounder, 49, of Sacriston, was arrested in connection with Mr Donnelly's disappearance. He was bailed on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and less than a month later found dead in non-suspicious circumstances.

Following a tip-off, officers searched Mr Pounder's home for three days and sent several samples for forensic examination.

Mr Donnelly, known as Eddie, was 5ft 8in, pale and had mousy brown hair. When he went missing, he was wearing a green wax jacket, black jeans and black trainers.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0845 606 0365 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.