A MURDER investigation continues after a member of the public found ‘partial human remains’ in Boscombe.
What happened?
Police launched a murder investigation following the discovery of ‘partial human remains’ on Saturday afternoon.
Dorset Police received a report at 1.10pm on Saturday, August 26, following a discovery by a member of the public in the area of the Manor Steps Zig Zag, off Boscombe Overcliff Drive.
Six police vehicles attended the scene on Saturday along with two forensics vans, while a cordon was issued.
Where is cordoned off?
An extensive cordon was put in place on Saturday afternoon and it continues to remain in place while officers from the Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT) further their enquiries.
The cordon blocks the whole of the Manor Steps Zig Zag as well as Boscombe Cliff Gardens.
Has the victim been identified?
Police have so far been unable to identify the victim and said identification may ‘take some time’.
Detective Inspector Neil Third, of MCIT, said yesterday that it has not been possible to identify the victim or their gender.
“I am not in a position to go into any further details about the remains that have been found – only that they are partial human remains. However, I am confident that we are treating this as a murder investigation,” he said.
How long will police be on the scene?
Police have said that it is likely searches will continue for ‘some days’ because of the challenging nature of the terrain.
Detective Inspector Third said: “We appreciate that this has an impact on members of the public in the area and I am grateful for everyone’s patience as we need to ensure that the whole area is searched extensively.”
What does the investigation involve?
Four days into the investigation, police continue to use a variation of methods and techniques to scour the clifftop.
Dogs, including alsatians and spaniels, have been used to search the top of the cliffs, while a police drone was also seen to be flying around the area.
A specialist search team have been spotted probing within the bushes by the road, using a device similar to a pitchfork.
One officer was seen to be on top of the cliff in climbing gear.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service have joined Dorset Police in their investigations and have been providing a staff welfare unit following the incident.
Officers have also been conducting enquires outside of the cordon, looking into CCTV footage and knocking on nearby houses.
How can I contact the police?
Anyone with information is asked to submit it to the investigation team via the Major Incident Public Portal page at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/55HQ23M99-PO1.
If unable to submit information online, call 101 quoting occurrence number 55230135228.
Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.
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