Police are investigating after human bones were discovered at Bedfont Lakes Country Park in Bedfont, Hounslow, West London. Officers were called at 6:35pm on Wednesday, 12 August, following reports of bones found at the park. The remains have been confirmed as human, and further testing is underway to establish their age and ascertain their identity. A crime scene remains in place while enquiries continue.
Discovery and Initial Response
The Metropolitan Police were alerted to the discovery on the evening of 12 August. Upon arrival, officers confirmed the bones were human and cordoned off the area. The police cordon, which has been in place for seven days according to local residents, appears to be close to the footbridge leading to Edward Pauling School. The identity of the individual remains unknown, and forensic tests are ongoing.
Wildfire Connection
Local residents have suggested that the bones may have been uncovered by recent fires in the area. However, this has not been confirmed by the London Fire Brigade. The fire service attended two incidents nearby in recent weeks. On 2 August, eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters tackled a grass fire near Watermead in Feltham, where around two hectares of scrubland and trees were alight. Control officers took the first of 44 calls at 8:40pm and mobilised crews from Feltham, Heston, Twickenham and surrounding fire stations. Two fire engines from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service also attended, and the fire was under control by 10:28pm.
Second Fire Incident
In a separate incident on 5 August, four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled a grass fire near Ambleside Drive in Feltham. Around two hectares of shrubland were damaged. Control officers took the first of 39 calls at 8:41pm and mobilised crews from Feltham, Heston, Twickenham and Heathrow fire stations. The fire was extinguished by 9:40pm.
Investigation Ongoing
When a fire burns away topsoil, it exposes the ground beneath, and post-fire conditions can reveal buried items, including historical or modern skeletal remains. The police investigation is ongoing, with further testing to determine the age and identity of the remains. The crime scene remains in place, and no further details have been released.
