Human remains found in Sudbury River, UK, continue to be the focus of an ongoing investigation following new leads that have emerged after a BBC Crimewatch appeal. The discovery was made near the Croft Bridge in Sudbury when officers responded to reports of human bones found inside two black bin bags. A post-mortem examination conducted by the Home Office was unable to establish the cause of death or the identity of the individual.
Forensic tests revealed that the remains belong to a white man of north European descent, aged in his late 50s to early 60s, and standing between 5ft 6in and 5ft 9in tall. The man is believed to have died between 2008 and 2012. Divers conducted searches in the River Stour for several days following the discovery.
During the recent Crimewatch appeal, Suffolk police released new information uncovering that the victim had 27 lacerations on their skull, likely caused by a bladed weapon. However, these lacerations are not believed to be the cause of death. The bones were found to have been cleanly dismembered at the joints, with both arms and feet bent inwards and upwards, possibly due to how they were stored. The black bags, which were weighed down with bricks, were likely recently deposited into the river near the bank. Carrier bags and air fresheners were also discovered inside the bags.
The Crimewatch appeal yielded new lines of inquiry and generated multiple calls and messages to Suffolk police. Detective Superintendent Mike Brown, the Senior Investigating Officer, expressed gratitude to the public for providing information that could assist in the investigation. Broadcasting the case on a national platform allowed the appeal to reach a wider audience and potentially uncover leads related to a victim who may not be local to Sudbury.
While a 26-year-old man from Sudbury was arrested in connection to the case in 2021, police confirmed in August 2022 that he would face no further action. The investigation continues, and Suffolk police urge the public to consider the victim’s profile, described as a man in his late 50s or early 60s who disappeared without a trace between 2008 and 2012.
In summary, the mysterious discovery of human remains in the Sudbury River has captured public attention. With new leads and information coming to light, investigators are working diligently to identify the victim and gather evidence. The public’s cooperation remains crucial in solving this puzzling case.
