THE remains of a woman murdered by her husband more than 20 years ago have been discovered during the excavation of a garden in Dorset.

Debbie Griggs was 34 and pregnant when she was reported missing from her home in Deal, Kent, by her husband Andrew Griggs in May 1999.

He denied being responsible for her disappearance but was found guilty of murder and jailed for life in October 2019 following a review by cold case detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate.

On October 5, acting on information received, specialist officers and staff excavated the back garden of a property in St Leonards, Dorset.

There, they discovered human remains, including teeth fragments.

Andrew Griggs had moved to the property in July 2001 following the conclusion of the initial investigation into Debbie’s whereabouts.

The remains were subject to a post-mortem examination on October 14, where specialist odontologists were able to confirm the teeth fragments belonged to Debbie.

Further tests will now be required to establish the cause of her death and how Debbie’s remains came to be at the property.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Kimber, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “It is now more than 20 years since Debbie Griggs was murdered by her husband but we have never given up hope of one day finding her remains and giving her loved ones some closure.

“Andrew Griggs denied being responsible for his wife’s disappearance but this discovery is further proof that he was lying all along, causing even greater anguish for everyone who knew and loved Debbie.

“While they continue to mourn her tragic loss to this day, I hope they can take some comfort in the knowledge that she can now be laid to rest.

“We will continue to keep Debbie’s family updated on the progress of our ongoing enquiries and provide support to them at this difficult time.”