SEARCHES have been carried out as part of a murder probe after human remains were found in Boscombe six months ago.

Police cordoned off Walpole Lane in Boscombe on Wednesday as part of their investigation into the alleged murder of Simon Shotton.

It was one of multiple locations which have been searched by forensics and specialist search teams since the 49-year-old’s death last summer.

As reported, police were called to Manor Steps zig zag, off Boscombe Overcliff Drive, on Saturday, August 26, following the discovery of human remains.

A cordon was put in place while detectives from Dorset Police’s MCIT carried out enquiries.

Bournemouth Echo: Police in Walpole LanePolice in Walpole Lane (Image: NQ)

In the days that followed, cordons were also put in place around the derelict Mon Bijou hotel in Manor Road, Bournemouth and in Aylesbury Road, Boscombe.

Then, on Wednesday September 6, further human remains were found in the area of Boscombe Chine Gardens near to Boscombe Pier.

The remains were identified as belonging to Mr Shotton through DNA testing.

Following enquiries, 38-year-old Debbie Ann Pereira and 48-year-old Benjamin Lee Atkins, both of Bournemouth, were charged with murder.

They are due to stand trial at Winchester Crown Court in April.

Giving an update on Wednesday morning, detective chief inspector Neil Third, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT), said: “Following further information received, search teams are now conducting enquiries in Walpole Lane and a cordon will be in place while these are carried out.

Bournemouth Echo: Forensics in Walpole RoadForensics in Walpole Road (Image: NQ)

“We would like to thank members of the public for their patience and understanding while these remain in place.

“As this matter remains the subject of ongoing court proceedings, we are unable to comment any further at this time.

“As we approach the trial, it is vital that the justice system is allowed to follow its course and there should be no commentary or sharing of information online or on social media that could potentially prejudice proceedings.”

An inquest was opened into the death of Mr Shotton in December last year.

Coroner’s officer, Grace Monroe, told Dorset Coroner’s Court how he was a warehouse worker, who was born in Honiton in Devon, but had no fixed address at the time of his death.