The Metropolitan Police have launched a murder investigation after human remains discovered in woodland in Feltham, west London, were confirmed to belong to a woman aged approximately between 25 and 45 years old. The discovery was made at 6.35pm on Wednesday, August 12, in a wooded area near Padstow Walk, with a crime scene remaining in place for several days. The woodland backs onto Hounslow's Bedfont Lakes Country Park.
Investigation launched after remains identified
Tests have confirmed the remains are human, and on Friday, August 21, the Met Police announced they are believed to belong to a woman aged approximately 25 to 45. A murder investigation is now underway. A police spokesperson said: "It is not clear how long her remains have been at the location."
Efforts are ongoing to confirm the woman's identity, with a post-mortem having taken place on Monday, August 17. Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, who is leading the investigation, said: "We have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of these remains and are working to establish the full circumstances of what happened while keeping an open mind. I would urge anyone who has information that may assist us in identifying the victim and understanding the circumstances of her death to come forward and speak to us."
Possible link to recent wildfires
According to local residents, there are claims the human remains were uncovered as a result of recent wildfires in the area. However, this has not been confirmed by the London Fire Brigade. When a fire burns away the topsoil, it exposes the ground beneath, and subsequent post-fire conditions can reveal buried items, including historical or modern skeletal remains.
Appeal for information
Anyone with information on the discovery of the human bones is urged to contact the Met Police on 101 and quote CAD 6452/12AUG, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
