Man and woman arrested for ‘awful’ Rowdown Fields murder

A man and a woman have been arrested by police in connection with the human remains found on Rowdown Fields in New Addington earlier this week.

Murder search: police have spent most of the week searching the park in New Addington

A statement issued by Scotland Yard today said that a 44-year old man and a 48-year-old woman were arrested yesterday on suspicion of murder. They both remain in police custody.

A post-mortem examination of the remains is due to begin today.

Detective Inspector Martin Thorpe, from the Specialist Crime Command and leading the investigation, 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.”

Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain, lead for policing in Croydon, said: “This is obviously an awful crime and I understand that local residents will be alarmed and distressed by the latest news.

“Officers are working extremely hard to identify the victim and to gather information, so there will be a continued police presence in the area as we do this.

“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic incident. We will continue to support local partners and the community as the investigation progresses.”

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

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