Human bones have been found at Bedfont Lakes Country Park in Hounslow, west London, with the Metropolitan Police treating the discovery as a crime scene.
Discovery and Police Response
Officers first attended the site on Wednesday, August 12, following reports that bones had been found. Police have confirmed the bones are human, and an investigation is underway to establish the age and identity of the remains.
A police cordon was put up seven days ago and remains in place close to the footbridge leading to Edward Pauling School, according to local residents.
Possible Link to Wildfires
One local resident suggested the remains were uncovered as a result of two recent wildfires in the area, though this has not been confirmed by the London Fire Brigade (LFB).
LFB attended a grass fire near Watermead in Feltham on August 2, and a second fire near Ambleside Drive in Feltham on August 5. Both blazes saw around two hectares of shrubland set alight. Fire can burn away topsoil, potentially revealing hidden items buried beneath, including historical or modern skeletal remains.
Ongoing Investigation
A crime scene remains in place, and the Met are carrying out further enquiries. A Met spokesperson said: “Police were called at 18:35hrs on Wednesday, 12 August to reports of bones being found at Bedfont Pits, Feltham. The bones were confirmed to be human and further testing is underway to establish the age of the bones and ascertain identity. An investigation is ongoing, and a crime scene remains in place.”
