Murder investigation launched after bags of human bones found in Suffolk river

The bones were found inside two bin bags in Sudbury on Thursday 27th August.

Published 30th Aug 2020
Last updated 30th Aug 2020

Police were called just after 4.35pm to the River Stour near Meadow Gates and Croft Bridge, where the remains were discovered.

The bones have now been confirmed as human and a murder investigation has been launched.

A member of the public had reported seeing two black bin bags in the river earlier in the afternoon to a ranger, who then called the police.

Further along the river, a shopping trolley was also found.

Two police scenes are in place at both locations, and officers are expected to remain there into next week.

According to police, a 'sensitive and methodical' process will now take place as the bones are examined and forensic tests are carried out.

Other investigative work and searches will also take place, and the force says there are not likely to be any significant developments in the early stages.

Suffolk Police confirmed on Saturday 29th August that the River Stour at Croft Road footbridge had been closed so divers from the Metropolitan Police Marine Policing Unit could assist with searching the water and river banks.

The footpath between Meadow Gate and Croft Gate is also shut and expected to remain closed into early next week.

Inspector Kevin Horton, Local Policing Commander for Sudbury, said: "We appreciate that local residents are likely to find this discovery alarming and as such we will be increasing police patrols in the town to provide reassurance.

"Officers are also likely to remain at the scene over the weekend and in to the early part of next week.

"Discoveries such as this are extremely rare – especially in Suffolk – and as such we do not believe there is any cause for concern to members of the public.

"We would ask anyone with information about this discovery to make contact with the Major Investigation Team immediately. This includes anyone who believes they saw the bags in the river prior to yesterday afternoon, or saw the shopping trolley either in this location or elsewhere along the river."

If you can help, contact police online or by calling 101.