Police have launched a murder investigation after a man's body was found in a "fly-covered" suitcase in woodland in Gillingham, Kent, close to where a children's teddy bear hunt was taking place. The grim discovery was made on Friday, July 10, at Borstal Recreation Ground.
Discovery During Teddy Bear Hunt
A local resident, who was at the park for a nursery fundraising teddy bear hunt, told KentOnline: "I saw the luggage before the police. I was with my niece and nephew, so I was busy keeping them from seeing it. What I saw was the suitcase covered in hundreds of flies. I actually heard the buzzing from them first. I noticed that it was a large suitcase and had a snow sledge next to it."
Arrests and Investigation
The investigation began after officers were called to an address on Kingfisher Court, off Queensmere Road, Wandsworth, Wimbledon, on Thursday, July 9, shortly before midday following reports of a murder. The property was empty upon arrival, but police suspected foul play. Two men, aged 27 and 32, were arrested on suspicion of murder after they attended Medway Police Station in Gillingham, Kent, approximately 30 miles from the initial crime scene. They remain in custody.
A third man was also arrested on suspicion of aiding an offender but has since been released on bail, according to MyLondon.
Victim Identification
Police believe they know the identity of the deceased man, although formal identification is yet to take place. His next of kin have been notified and are being supported by specialist officers. The victim and the two arrested men were known to each other.
Police Statement
Detective Inspector Ben Dalloway, who is heading up the investigation, stated: "Our thoughts remain with the victim's family who are understandably distraught at their loss. We will continue to offer them every support. This has been a fast-moving investigation and we are working tirelessly to establish the exact circumstances of the incident. Although we have made two arrests and do not believe there is any wider risk to the public, we would ask that anyone with information comes forward to police as soon as possible by calling 101 with CAD 9504/9JUL."
The Met Police issued a full statement confirming the timeline: officers received a report of a potential murder at 22:55hrs on Thursday, 9 July, at an address in Wandsworth. After finding the property empty, a search led them to believe someone had come to harm. On Friday, 10 July, the Met was notified of the two men attending Medway Police Station, and later that day, officers found the deceased man in the wooded area of Borstal, Kent.
