Human remains discovered at a country park near Heathrow Airport could be linked to serial killer Levi Bellfield, a crime expert has warned, as police continue a murder inquiry. Wildfires at Bedfont Lakes Country Park in Feltham uncovered a woman's skull last month, and further human remains were found nearby.
Discovery near Bellfield's former homes
The site sits just half a mile, or three minutes by car, from a home once owned by Bellfield's family. He went to school and grew up less than four miles away, and had lived in at least six properties within a 10 to 15-minute drive from the lakes.
Bellfield, 58, spent much of his life in the surrounding areas of Hounslow, Hanworth and Feltham while working as a wheel-clamper. The lakes currently being searched by forensics are the same waters police searched in 2009 while hunting for the red Daewoo Nexia Bellfield used to transport 13-year-old Milly Dowler.
Expert says site fits killer's pattern
Former police intelligence officer and crime author Chris Clark believes the discovery "fits the modus operandi" of the notorious murderer, who was jailed for life for killing Marsha McDonnell, 19, and Amelie Delagrange, 22, and Milly Dowler, 13. He was also convicted of the attempted murder of Kate Sheedy, 18.
"I feel very strongly it is a cluster site, an area which serial killers use so they remember where their victims are buried," Mr Clark told The Mirror. "Serial killers operate in areas they are familiar with. I think the woods is a potential hotspot for Levi Bellfield's unresolved victims."
Mr Clark suspects the area could hold a "cluster" of Bellfield's victims, linking his potential involvement to unsolved disappearances - including Elizabeth Chau in April 1999, Lola Shenkoya in January 2000 and Iwona Kaminska in July 2000 - all of whom vanished from nearby West London bus routes or streets.
Police keep open mind
Forensic officers and the Metropolitan Police remain at 'The Pit' near Heathrow Airport as DNA testing and specialist analysis continue on the remains of the victim, believed to be aged between 25 and 45.
"He fits the modus operandi. He had the means, the motive and the opportunity," Mr Clark added, noting that Bellfield's deep local knowledge allowed him to operate in plain sight. "It would be a perfect hunting ground where he could quickly disappear and melt into the background."
A spokesperson for the Met Police confirmed that officers are keeping an open mind as inquiries continue, stating: "As far as we are aware any link with Levi Bellfield is purely speculative at this stage."
