Murder inquiry at Queen's estate

3 January 2012 Last updated at 09:52 ET

The woman's remains were found on the Queen's Sandringham estate by a dog walker

A murder inquiry has begun after human remains were found on the Queen's Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.

Det Ch Insp Jes Fry, of Norfolk Constabulary, said officers were examining cold cases across the UK for potential links.

The force has confirmed the remains were that of a woman.

A dog walker made the discovery at Anmer, near King's Lynn, on New Year's Day. The area has been cordoned off.

Police said the identity of the woman was not yet known.

Detectives would not speculate on the age of the woman or comment on whether the body was clothed.

Cold cases reviewed

"We are at the very early stages of the investigation and it could be a complex inquiry," said Mr Fry.

"I cannot confirm whether she was clothed because, at the moment, only my staff, the person who found the body and the person or people who put it there know that - and I would like it to stay that way.

"The body has been in situ for some time but I can't comment on whether that is weeks, months or years.

"The circumstances suggest this is a murder case and we are looking at missing persons reports and cold cases, both locally and nationwide."

The body was found in a wooded area on farmland at the 20,000-acre (8,000 hectare) royal estate.

Forensic tests

Forensic science experts are carrying out a detailed search of the area - about a mile from the main gate to Sandringham House.

Mr Fry said it was not yet clear if the woman was killed at the scene or taken there after her death.

The body is expected to be recovered later and taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in King's Lynn, where post-mortem tests will take place.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, along with the Earl and Countess of Wessex, have been staying on the Sandringham Estate.

Buckingham Palace would not comment on the discovery, saying it was a "matter for Norfolk police".

Continue Reading... Labels: estate, inquiry, Murder, Queen's

Murder inquiry after bodies found

12 December 2011 Last updated at 10:56 ET

BBC's Ed Thomas: 'Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with these deaths'

A murder investigation has started after the discovery of the bodies of a couple and their two young sons at a house in Leeds.

The bodies were found in a fire-damaged bedroom at a detached house in Sheridan Way, Pudsey, on Sunday evening.

Richard Smith, 37, and Clair Smith, 36, were found along with Ben Smith, nine, and one-year-old Aron Smith.

It is understood that West Yorkshire Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths.

Det Supt Paul Taylor, from West Yorkshire's Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: "Initially, we had concerns regarding the release of harmful chemicals or gases.

"Following testing, we no longer have any concerns with regards to those working at the scene and we will continue our investigations today.

"Inquiries are at an early stage and I would ask anyone with information about the incident to contact the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team."

'Beautiful boys'

Post-mortem examinations are due to be carried out later.

Dean Turnbull, a friend of the Smith family who had known them for about 15 years, said he was "in shock" over their deaths.

He said the Smiths were "a lovely family with lovely kids".

Friends of the family brought floral tributes to the scene of the tragedy

Mr Turnbull's wife, Sara, was in tears as she left flowers at the police cordon.

The message on her bouquet said: "You were such a beautiful family. All our love to you. We can't believe you are all gone."

Mr Smith's cousin, Gary Tempest, said: "It is so unbelievable this has happened.

"They were the perfect family."

Family friend Sarah Wilson was in tears as she laid flowers.

She said she once held Aron in her arms as her sister was a neighbour, and added: "Such beautiful little boys. Both of them."

Continue Reading... Labels: After, bodies, found, inquiry, Murder