Officers have been "actively" searching for the body of Moors murder victim Keith Bennett for the last three years, Greater Manchester Police has said.
The 12-year-old was killed by Ian Brady and Myra Hindley more than 40 years ago, but his body has never been found.
The force said teams had been searching Saddleworth Moor, but refused to comment on reports spy satellite equipment was being used.
Keith disappeared in 1964 and was one of five victims of Brady and Hindley.
He was last seen by his mother Winnie Johnson on 16 June, as he made his way to his grandmother's home.
"Our current operation is the latest in a series carried out by Greater Manchester Police over the years to locate Keith's remains and finally lay that little boy to rest"
Ch Supt Steve Heywood, head of GMP's Serious Crime Division, said: "We can confirm that an operation has been active over the past three years with the aim of finding Keith Bennett's body.
"As part of the operation, at periodic intervals, work has been carried out on Saddleworth Moor.
"We have kept Keith's family updated at every stage of this operation.
"It is important for us to stress that we have not found Keith's body, and it would be wrong to raise anyone's expectations - most of all those of his family - that we know where his body is or that its discovery is imminent.
"We have always been committed to finding Keith's body and our current operation is the latest in a series carried out by Greater Manchester Police over the years to locate Keith's remains and finally lay that little boy to rest.
"That is still our goal and the investigation remains open."
Hindley and Brady were jailed for life in 1966 for the murders of Lesley Ann Downey, 10, and 17-year-old Edward Evans.
Brady was also convicted of murdering 12-year-old John Kilbride while Hindley was an accessory.
More than 20 years later the pair confessed to killing Keith Bennett and 16-year-old Pauline Reade, but have not been charged with the crimes.
Brady is serving his sentence at Ashworth Hospital on Merseyside.
Hindley died in prison six years ago.
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