Victim identified and two arrested in Harlow Pond murder investigation
Detectives have confirmed the remains are of a 59-year-old man
Last updated 6th Jan 2023
Detectives have confirmed human remains found at Oakwood Pond in Harlow at the weekend belong to 59 year-old man Phillip Lewis.
Phillip was from Harlow and known to his friends as ‘Scottish Phil’.
Yesterday evening (Wednesday 4 January), detectives investigating Phil’s murder arrested two men.
A 52 year-old has been arrested on suspicion of murder, while a 23 year-old has been arrested on suspicion conspiracy to commit murder.
The men, who are both local, are currently in custody.
Detective Superintendent Rob Kirby, Head of Major Crime, said: “Phil lived in Harlow and he was well known in and around the town centre and had a wide circle of friends who he would socialise with.
“I want to extend my condolences to Phil’s friends and family and re-iterate my commitment to them that we will work relentlessly to bring those responsible for his murder to justice.
“This has been a fast-paced investigation and we have worked quickly to make arrests, but there is still much to do.
“Specialist officers are continuing to search the area around the pond and work to drain it is ongoing.
“This is really important to identify potentially vital evidence.
“A team of dedicated detectives are continuing to work around the clock to give Phil’s friends and family the answers they need about what happened to him and why.
Detective Superintendent Kirby added we need the public’s help: “I want to thank the community here in Harlow for their support and understanding.
“I know this investigation has caused shock and concern, but we don’t believe there is an ongoing risk to the wider public.
“You will continue to see a visible police presence in the area.
“I appeal directly to the residents of Harlow for the following information.
“I would like anyone who came into contact with Phil in any way since 1st November 2022 to come forward, so we can build a picture of Phillip’s life prior to his death.
“I would like anyone who lives in the areas of Oakwood Pond or the estates coming off Harberts Road, south of Fourth Avenue, and who has CCTV or doorbell video systems to contact us so that we can check it.
“We also want to speak to anyone who regularly visits Oakwood Pond and the surrounding area, who has seen anything suspicious in the last two months.
“Any information you have, no matter how insignificant you believe it is, could be vital for our investigation and to get justice for Phil’s family and friends”.
A dedicated phone line has been set up specifically for this investigation and can be reached on 0800 051 4526.