Murder probe after wildfire uncovers body in park

A murder investigation is under way after human bones were uncovered at a west London park following a wildfire, the Metropolitan Police said.

Emergency services were called to Bedfont Lakes Country Park in Hounslow at about 18:35 BST on Wednesday, 12 August.

A police spokesperson said the remains were found by a member of the public after the wildfire affected an area of woodland known as The Pits.

Following a post-mortem examination, police said the bones belonged to a woman aged between 25 and 45. They said it was not clear how long the remains had been there and officers were still working to identify her.

The London Fire Brigade said four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled a grass fire there on 5 August, which damaged about two hectares of shrubland.

Close to the scene where the remains were found, patches of ground appeared blackened and some vegetation showed signs of fire damage.

Det Ch Insp Wayne Jolley, who is leading the investigation, said: "We 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."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk