Essex Police dogs help with Suffolk murder investigation

The investigation was launched following the discovery of two bin bags containing human bones in the River Stour on Thursday 27th August.

A member of the public spotted the bags and reported them to a ranger, who in turn called police after realising what was in them.

A post-mortem was carried out at the weekend but the results were inconclusive - further tests are now being carried out.

Suffolk Police say the extensive searches of the river and its banks are continuing with the assistance of the Metropolitan Police Marine Police Unit and dog handlers from Essex Police.

Residents are told they can expect to see officers walking the river banks while operating a drone as it's the best opportunity to clear larges areas of ground quickly and efficiently.

One of the scenes, the footpath between Croft Bridge and Croft Gate Weir, has now reopened and can be used again by members of the public.

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Brown, said: "The main focus of the investigation at this stage is to identify the victim. Until we have been able to do this, it limits the other enquiries that can be completed.

"We are working with a number of specialists who are helping us to try and achieve this. The Home Office post-mortem examination was conducted by a forensic pathologist, who was supported by a forensic anthropoligist. This is usual procedure in a case such as this.

"Other forensic experts are currently analysing the remains and working to obtain a DNA profile. This could be the key to identifying our victim, but is no means a guarantee.

"We are also engaging with the National Crime Agency and their specialist officers to see how they can assist us with the investigation. Again, this is perfectly normal in an inquiry of this nature.

"In addition ot the support from the Metropolitan Police divers, we have also had assistance from Essex Police officers with cadaver dogs to search the river banks. Though unfortunately, the dogs did not find anything of significance."

On Monday 31st August, police issued an appeal to find three specific witnesses who may have information that could assist the enquiry.

Police say two of these witnesses are boys who tried to help the person who made the discovery by attempting to retrieve the bags from the river.

The boys have now been identified.

Officers say the third witness still hasn't been traced.

They say he's a man who was seen swimming in the Victorian Bathing Pool on Thursday 20th August and although this was a week before the remains were discovered, he could be someone who is a regular user of the river and so may have seen something of significance.

DCI Brown added: "We are continuing to appeal to trace the swimmer from the week before, but would also like to hear from anyone else who is a regular user of the river and may have any information that can assist us.

"Local residents can expect to see a continued presence from officers in the town this week and I would encourage anyone with information to approach them and speak to them directly.

"We will aim to lift cordons and release areas back to the public as soon as we possibly can, but as stated before this work must be thorough and takes time. Please bear with us and we continue to be grateful for the support and patience of the people of Sudbury."

Anyone with information can contact police on 101, via their online portal, or anonymously via Crimestoppers.