A murder investigation has been launched after human remains were discovered at a west London country park.
Police were called at 6.35pm on Wednesday, August 12, following reports that bones had been discovered in woodland in Feltham. Local residents said the remains were unearthed at Bedfont Lakes Country Park following two wildfires at the site in the past fortnight.
It is believed the remains belong to a woman aged between 25 and 45-years-old, police say, following the grim discovery near Padstow Walk.
Postmortem leads to murder investigation
Following a postmortem on Monday, a murder investigation was launched. Detectives say it is yet unclear how long her remains had been at the site. Enquiries remain ongoing to confirm her identity.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman confirmed that the remains were found by a member of the public after the nearby land was affected by a recent wildfire. Shrubbery appeared to have been burned at a woodland area close to where the police crime scene was in place and a large patch of the ground was charred.
Crime scene in place
A police crime scene remains in place at Padstow Walk, an area nicknamed The Pits. The woodland has been taped off to the public and one police car could be seen parked on a nearby road.
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, who is leading the investigation, said: “We have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of these remains and are working to establish the full circumstances of what happened while keeping an open mind.
“I would urge anyone who has information that may assist us in identifying the victim and understanding the circumstances of her death to come forward and speak to us.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 and quote CAD 6452/12AUG or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
