Man and woman arrested on suspicion of murder after human remains found in park

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A man and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of murder after human remains were found in a south London park.

The Metropolitan Police said a 44-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman remain in its custody after the pair were arrested on Saturday following the discovery in Rowdown Fields in Croydon.

A post-mortem examination will take place on Sunday.

The force launched a murder investigation after it was alerted to the possible discovery of human remains in the park shortly after 9am on Tuesday.

Searches of the area near New Addington were subsequently conducted, involving police forensics and dog teams, with a large cordon in place for days.

Local residents expressed their shock at the discovery. Matthew Popoola said: “It’s really shocking to hear there were human remains here.” Sam Urquhart, 52, added: “No one expects body parts to be found, do they?”

Detective Inspector Martin Thorpe, from the Specialist Crime Command, who is leading the investigation, has now confirmed the search is over, adding that the Met believes the remains belong to just one victim.

He said: “I understand the significant concern this discovery will have caused to local people, and I want to thank the community for their patience.

“I can confirm our work at the location is complete and we believe that the remains found are those of one person.

“Although we are unable to formally identify the victim at this time, my team are working around the clock in order to do so. Their enquiries have made significant progress and I will provide a further update as soon as possible.

“We remain in contact with partners and local community members. I am grateful to them for their support.”

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation who has yet to speak with police is asked to call 101, quoting reference 1656/02Apr.