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Murder inquiry launched after human remains found in Forest of Dean Murder inquiry after human remains found in bags in Forest of Dean
(about 3 hours later)
Couple stopped by police on England-Wales border found to be carrying human remains Two people in custody after reports of erratic driving lead to discovery of remains in suitcases
A murder inquiry has been launched after a police officer found human remains in a suitcase being carried by a couple on the English-Welsh border. A murder inquiry has been launched after police found the remains of a woman hidden in two suitcases near the English-Welsh border.
Since the couple were stopped, it is understood other body parts have been found close to the spot in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. The investigation began after a member of the public reported suspicions to the police about a vehicle being driven erratically in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire.
Police sealed off a large area of the forest and were questioning two people, a woman in her 20s from Birmingham and a man in his 30s from Wolverhampton. Police found the vehicle in the dark, spoke to two people, and then found the two suitcases. Officers are not certain but believe there is one victim, a woman.
It is believed the pair were walking along a road near Coleford in the forest on Tuesday when a passing police officer became suspicious of them and stopped to ask what was in the case. They have been given until Friday night to question two people – a woman in her 20s from Birmingham and a man in his 30s from Wolverhampton.
They were taken into custody and a search was launched around Stowfield Quarry and the village of Staunton close to the Welsh border. Gloucestershire police said in a statement: “Shortly after 10.30pm on Tuesday 12 May a member of the public reported suspicions to police about a vehicle due to its manner of driving.
There was a large police presence in the area with several roads around the scene closed and a police helicopter hovering overhead. Three tents were set up near the quarry. Forensic tests were taking place to try to identify the victim and a post mortem was being carried out. “It had been travelling on the A4136 near Coleford and officers in the local area were advised. The vehicle was located by police a short while later and two people were spoken to.
“Two suitcases were found to contain human remains and two people were subsequently arrested. They remain in police custody. A vehicle was also seized. Investigating officers believe there is one victim, a woman, and forensic examinations are ongoing to confirm her identity.”
The senior investigating officer, DCI John Turner, said: “The nature of this incident is distressing and we’re working around the clock to fully understand what has happened. Someone’s life has been lost and our priority is to identify the victim and get answers for her family.
“Searches have taken place in the surrounding area for evidence-gathering and no remains have been found as part of these searches. Our major crime investigation team is working in collaboration with the West Midlands police homicide team to carry out further enquiries.”
The search was launched around Stowfield quarry and the village of Staunton, close to the Welsh border. There was a large police presence in the area, with several roads around the scene closed and a police helicopter hovering overhead. Three tents were set up near the quarry.
A Gloucestershire police spokesman said on Thursday afternoon: “Officers have been granted a 36-hour magistrates’ extension to continue questioning two people who were arrested on suspicion of murder.A Gloucestershire police spokesman said on Thursday afternoon: “Officers have been granted a 36-hour magistrates’ extension to continue questioning two people who were arrested on suspicion of murder.
“Overnight a 12-hour custody extension had been granted for both the woman aged in her 20s and from Birmingham and the man aged in his 30s and from Wolverhampton. “Overnight a 12-hour custody extension had been granted for both the woman aged in her 20s and from Birmingham and the man aged in his 30s and from Wolverhampton. The further 36-hour extension was granted at around midday today and means they can remain in custody for further questioning.
“The further 36-hour extension was granted at around midday today and means they can remain in custody for further questioning.” “Due to the ongoing investigation, road closures and scene guards are likely to remain in place. Gloucestershire constabulary would like to thank local residents and those impacted by the cordons for their patience during this time.”
The quarry is on the Staunton Road and the closed section also contains a fishery, a former sawmill which now contains storage unit, several houses and a campsite. The quarry is on Staunton Road, and the closed section also contains a fishery, a former sawmill that now contains a storage unit, several houses and a campsite. The spot is close to the rivers Wye and Monnow.
Key workers had to find detours through the lanes around the area and people originally thought the roadblocks had been set up to stop people travelling from England to Wales to exercise – which is banned under Welsh law. Key workers had to find detours through the lanes around the area, and people initially thought the roadblocks had been set up to stop people travelling from England to Wales to exercise. Under Welsh law, people are only able to exercise in their local area.