Further human remains found in Croydon park as murder investigation launched

Police have launched a murder investigation after confirming remains found in a Croydon park are human.

Forensic officers were called at around 9am yesterday morning to reports of possible human remains found in Rowdown Fields, New Addington.

In an update the Met said further remains have since been found in the park.

Detective Inspector Martin Thorpe, leading the investigation, said: “After consultation with a forensic anthropologist, we are certain that these are human.

“This is being treated as murder, and we currently believe the remains belong to one victim.”

Police said at this stage they were not able to identify the victim’s age, gender or ethnicity.

Cops will remain in the area as their search continues.

Samples have been sent away for forensic analysis and a special post-mortem examination is expected to take place later this week, police said.

DI Thorpe said: “Our priority is to identify the victim, but until we are in possession of fuller facts, informed by the post-mortem examination, we are not in a position to confirm the person’s age, ethnicity or gender.

“A family has lost their loved one, and as a team, we are focusing on finding them and securing the answers they will need to come to terms with their loss.”

A crime scene remains in place and enquiries are ongoing. 

Officers are not searching any other sites at this stage but have said the search will be extended if necessary.

Superintendent Lewis Collins, investigating, said: “This is a very disturbing discovery and over the last day or so the community in our borough has pulled together to give officers the space they need to carry out this important work.

“We are very appreciative of their support and we continue to ask that speculation on this case is kept to a minimum. We will keep people informed as soon as we have updates to share.”

(Picture: The Met)