Beauty spot body is male

From the archive, first published Friday 17th Jun 2005.

DETECTIVES have revealed the gruesome human remains found in a Hagley beauty spot were those of a man.

Two teenage boys found the rotting skeleton on June 6 and police chiefs say it has been there for a minimum of three years.

The cause of death is still unknown and West Mercia Police have launched a major investigation into the mystery find in undergrowth off Hagley Wood Lane, near Nimmings Wood car park, on the Clent Hills.

Police say the body - which was not buried - was found by chance by the 19 and 17-year-old because it was in dense undergrowth off the main path route.

Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Purcell, leading the investigation, said: "The inquiry is at a very early stage and at the present time the death is being treated as unexplained."

The remains were found on land owned by Lord Cobham, who lives at Hagley Hall.

Detective Inspector Mark Colquhoun of North Worcestershire Police said: "Preliminary forensic examinations have taken place at the scene. The next stage will be to identify the remains through DNA or dental records and we will be liaising with other forces on missing persons."

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