MYSTERY surrounds a body found close to a popular UK wildlife reserve.
Police have launched a murder investigation following the grim discovery at a spot where a huge fire appears to have erupted several months ago.
Cops were called to a wooded area on Southampton Common on Wednesday (October 8) after a member of the public found what is understood to be an adult’s remains.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Major Crime Team is currently treating the death as suspicious.
Detectives believe the person may have been homeless and living on the Common.
A force statement added: “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.”
Police were called at 4.40pm after the body was found close to the wildlife reserve, north of Ornamental Lake and to the right of Green Path.
The statement said: “Our investigation is in the early stages as we try to establish the identity of the deceased and the circumstances, but the death is currently being treated as suspicious.
“We believe the victim may 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.
“Officers remain at the scene while enquires continue. No arrests have been made at this time.”
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Matt Gillooly said: “We have allocated significant resources and specialist officers into the early stages of our investigation to enable us to identify the deceased and progress our enquiries.
“The area where the body was located on the Common is remote, overgrown, and away from footpaths, but I have no doubt that members of the local community may hold key information that can assist us.
“At this time investigators are working hard to establish a time-frame for the offence, this could potentially be a number of months ago.
“We’re especially keen to hear from anyone who may remember seeing smoke or a fire in this area.
“We also want to build a list of people who may have relevant footage that can help our enquiries.
“Do you use GoPro cameras or similar when running or cycling on the Common? Does your business’ CCTV or video doorbell capture footage of people leaving the Common.
“Please contact us in case your footage could help us to progress our investigation.
“Officers will remain in the area and the Neighbourhood Policing Team will be carrying out regular patrols.
“Please speak to these uniformed officers if you have any information. We understand that this is a concerning incident for our community and officers are there to provide reassurance.
“We will also be attending events including the Southampton parkrun, where we will be available to speak to you.”
Anyone who may be able to provide footage to assist police should submit information here.
You can also call 101 and quote incident number 44250456238.
Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.
A body has been found on Southampton Common[/caption]
