More arrests after human remains found in Fulham garden

Advertisement

Human remains buried in back yard

A total of three arrests have now been made after human remains were found in a garden in west London after a tip-off to police about a body at the property.

Officers found the remains wrapped in a carpet in the garden in Alderville Road, Fulham, south-west London.

A police officer said the remains may have been buried at the property between 15 to 20 years.

Two men, aged 47 and 52, were detained earlier, after another man, also 52, was arrested on Tuesday.

The latest suspects remain in custody at a central London police station, while the first man arrested has been bailed until later this month.

It is believed that the body may have been at the scene between 15 and 20 years Det Insp Tim Dobson, Met Police

It is believed the man originally arrested was Roy Heath, the main resident at the address, who is undergoing treatment in hospital for cancer.

A statement from the Met said: "A murder enquiry has been launched following the discovery of human remains in the garden of a property at Alderville Road.

"A search warrant was executed at the address on Tuesday based on information received from a member of the public.

"A search of the garden uncovered remains wrapped in carpet."

A post-mortem will be held at Fulham mortuary on Friday.

Officers began excavating the back garden on Tuesday

Det Insp Tim Dobson said: "It is believed that the body may have been at the scene between 15 and 20 years.

"Whilst enquiries are underway to establish the identity of this person we are keen to speak to anyone who may have lived in this road around that time."

Officers currently remain at the scene and tests are being carried out on the remains to establish the identity.

Earlier neighbours said they saw police officers removing bags from the house.

Will Rollo, 31, said: "They were drilling yesterday afternoon but I think they've dug it all up now.

"It's a couple who live at the house. I think he is unwell. I knew he had cancer."

'Week-long inquiry'

A white tent was erected over part of the garden while the work continued. A patio is thought to have covered the garden for several years.

John Hooper, 53, who lives nearby, said: "The police came round to say they were investigating the possibility a body was in the back garden."

Another neighbour, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "We were told a week ago by the police that they were investigating and then they arrived yesterday.

"The police told us that they had information a body could have been there for at least 10 years."