Victim decapitated 'after death'

Police are trying to piece together how and where the man died

Police investigating the murder of a man whose body was pulled from a Bedfordshire lake said they believe the victim was decapitated after he died.

Passers-by discovered the body at the Blue Lagoon in Arlesey on Sunday.

Police are trying to piece together how and where the man died and urged anyone with information to come forward.

Det Ch Insp Jon Humphries said: "The person who died was the son or brother to someone, who does not yet know how they met their fate."

The body of the white man was found wrapped in layers of packaging, which is being dried out in sterile conditions before it can be examined for evidence, police said.

'Grim discovery'

A wheelbarrow found with the body in the lake has also been recovered and is being forensically examined.

A post-mortem examination carried out on Monday has been unable to confirm the exact cause of death, although it is believed he was decapitated after he died, police said.

Work to view CCTV is also taking place and house to house inquiries are under way in the area close to the Blue Lagoon.

Det Ch Insp Humphries said: "We are still trying to establish how long this man was lying in the water before he was discovered.

"If anyone who regularly walks round the lake can remember seeing anything, or anyone in the area of the 'beach' as it is commonly known, then please come forward.

"It is easy for people to look at this grim discovery in a detached way, but the person who died was the son or brother to someone, who does not yet know how they met their fate.

"It is vital we uncover how and where he died and who is responsible for taking his remains to the Blue Lagoon."