Harlow pond body: Police launch murder investigation

Police could not say whether the discovery was linked to any ongoing missing person or murder inquiry

Police have confirmed the discovery of human remains in a pond is being treated as a murder investigation.

Officers said they were called to Oakwood Pond, off Fourth Avenue in Harlow, Essex, shortly before 14:00 GMT on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters, Det Supt Rob Kirby said the area would remain cordoned off for several more days while the water was dredged.

He said it was too early to identify any characteristics, such as age, sex or ethnicity, or whether it was connected to any ongoing missing person or murder inquiry.

Police were initially called to the site to reports of a suspicious object in the water.

The pond was due to be cordoned off for several more days to allow for dredging

Forensic test results from the discovery in Harlow were expected by the end of the week

"Some witnesses have indicated that the human remains have been there for some time,” said Det Supt Kirby, adding: “several weeks certainly”.

The results of forensic tests were expected by the end of the week, he said.

"We are keeping a really open mind as to how the remains ended up there,” he added.

“This person is someone’s loved one and someone’s family member and they will have questions about how and why they were killed.

“We’re committed to finding out what happened and who is responsible, and have a track record of holding criminals to account."

Det Supt Rob Kirby said witnesses indicated the remains had been in the pond for some time

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