A MAN has entered a plea after appearing in court charged with the murder of a missing bomb disposal expert.

Colin Gale, 39, of Offington Road, Worthing, appeared at Lewes Crown Court where he pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Prosecutors said Mark Manning was murdered at a garage a few miles away from his home.

The claim comes as nearly two years after his disappearance.

The 54-year-old went missing in April 2014 sparking one of the longest-running and highest-profile murder investigations in recent Sussex Police history.

Gale, of Offington Road, Worthing, is accused of murdering Mr Manning on or about April 19, 2014, at P and B Motors - Western Road Car Sales, in St Peter's Place, Western Road, Lancing.

Mr Manning, of Brighton Road, Lancing, was last seen on April 19, 2014, before his family reported him missing on April 22.

He has never been found.

Yesterday Detective Chief Inspector Mike Ashcroft said police still wanted to hear from anyone who has any information about the circumstances of his disappearance or his location.

Call police on 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting Operation Light or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 (crimestoppers-uk.org).