14/09/2015

Epping Forest Body Find Becomes Murder Investigation

Police have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of a body in Epping Forest last week.

Police reported on Friday that a member of the public found the body just after 19:00 on Wednesday, 9 September close to Hollow Ponds along Whipps Criss Road.

The body was wrapped in plastic and partially buried. Police said that the body was decomposed and they currently don't know how long it was at the scene.

Following the completion of a post-mortem examination on Saturday detectives are now treating the death as murder.

An incident room is open in Barking under Detective Chief Inspector Jamie Piscopo from the Homicide and Major Crime Command.

Detectives are continuing to appeal for witnesses and information from anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious in the Hollow Ponds area over the last few weeks.

DCI Piscopo said: "Hollow Ponds is a busy and popular local beauty spot, with a café and a boating lake. It is also surrounded by a number of busy roads, including Whipps Cross Road. We would like to speak to anyone who may have been in the area the last several weeks, and may have witnessed any unusual or suspicious activity, to come and speak to us."

Anyone who can assist is asked to contact the Incident Room at Barking on 020 8345 3715; or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestopers-uk.org.

(MH/CD)

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