Police have launched a murder probe after an adult body was discovered near a popular UK wildlife reserve. The grim find coincides with evidence of a massive fire that reportedly started months ago.
Body Found Amid Fire Debris on Southampton Common
Officers were called to a wooded area on Southampton Common on Wednesday, October 8, after a member of the public spotted remains believed to be an adult’s. The location, north of Ornamental Lake and near Green Path, shows signs of a significant fire that investigators say may have happened several months ago.
Police Treat Death as Suspicious, Urge Public for Help
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Major Crime Team is leading the investigation, treating the death as suspicious. Detectives think the victim might have been homeless and living on the Common.
“There are indications there was a significant fire at some point in the same location as to where the body was found. This may have been a number of months ago,” said a police statement.
Detectives Seek Witnesses and CCTV Footage
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Gillooly confirmed that specialist officers are working hard to identify the deceased and establish a timeline. The remote, overgrown nature of the area means that local witnesses could be crucial.
“We’re especially keen to hear from anyone who may remember seeing smoke or a fire in this area. If you use GoPro cameras or have CCTV or doorbell footage capturing the Common, please get in touch.”
Police remain at the scene while inquiries continue. No arrests have been made so far.
How to Help
- If you have any information or footage, submit it here.
- You can also call 101 quoting incident number 44250456238.
- Or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
