Murder investigation launched after human remains found after wildfire
A post-mortem examination was carried out on Monday and resulted in detectives launching a murder inquiry.
A murder investigation has been launched after human remains were discovered in woodland in south-west London following a wildfire.
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Police were called to Bedfont Lakes Country Park in Hounslow on the evening of August 12, where bones believed to belong to a woman aged between 25 and 45 were found near Padstow Walk in Feltham.
A post-mortem examination was carried out on Monday, with the results prompting detectives to open a murder inquiry.
The Metropolitan Police said officers are now working to identify the woman and establish how long her remains had been at the site.
A spokesman from the force said the remains were discovered by a member of the public.
Read more: Murder inquiry launched after woman dies and eight others injured in fire
The discovery was made close to an area of woodland where shrubbery had been burned and a police cordon was put in place.
A large area of the ground had been left charred as officers examined the area.
According to the London Fire Brigade website, four fire engines and around 25 firefighters attended a grass fire at the site on August 5.
Around two hectares of shrubland were damaged in the blaze.
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.”
Police said the crime scene is expected to remain in place for several weeks while investigations continue.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 6452/12AUG, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.