Dogs search wood after body find

Medical records were used to establish Victoria Couchman's identity

A specialist dog search team has been brought in to scour woods in East Sussex where the remains of 19-year-old Victoria Couchman were found.

The dog team, from Surrey, is helping the operation in Redgelands Wood, Hastings from where 90% of Miss Couchman's skeleton has been recovered.

A post-mortem examination has failed to establish the cause of death.

Her father Tony was freed on conditional bail on Monday after being arrested on suspicion of murder.

Miss Couchman, the mother of a young daughter, lived with her father in St Leonards, about a mile (1.6km) from where her remains were found.

Medical records

Sussex Police said on Wednesday that specialist forensic work was continuing, and search teams were working in various locations in the St Leonards area.

The remains were identified from medical records after children found a skull in the woods on 13 October.

The rest of the skeleton was discovered later.

Det Insp Jeff Riley, who is leading the investigation, said many people had contacted police with information.

"We have not contacted them all as yet, but we would ask for their patience and we will get back to them as soon as possible," he said.

"It is important to our investigation and I would still welcome any new information, no matter how insignificant you may feel it is."

Sussex Police have confirmed they are not investigating the whereabouts of Miss Couchman's daughter.

Mr Couchman is due to answer his bail on 17 November.