Human remains are found in a woodland pond next to an NHS hospital – sparking a police investigation

Police are investigating the discovery of human remains found in a pond next to an NHS hospital on New Year’s Eve.

Human remains were found on Saturday, according to reports from ‘a suspicious object in the water’ at Oakwood Pond, known as a wildlife paradise in Harlow, Essex.

On December 31, Essex Police received the first call from a concerned member of the public about the remains in the water next to the Princess Alexandra Hospital.

But a local dog walker claimed he saw what he now believes was a headless torso in the water about two days earlier.

Essex Police are investigating the discovery of human remains found next to an NHS hospital

The man, who asked not to be named, said: “I was having my walk when I saw this white figure that looked like a headless torso.

“There was a similar looking object right next to it, near the water’s edge. My first thought was that it was a bare human torso – but I just shrugged. My dog ​​didn’t seem to mind at all.”

The man explained he didn’t report it because he believed it must have been ‘some old bags’. The police were then called on Saturday.

He continued: “The second object was clearly a body part as well. It could be the remains of two bodies and not just one. The police are very vague.

On December 31, Essex Police received the first call from a concerned member of the public about the remains in the water next to the Princess Alexandra Hospital

“Who knows how long they were there. We had a lot of snow here before Christmas and the pond was completely frozen over so the remains could hide under the ice and then come to the surface.”

Another resident added: “This is shocking news. This area is beautiful and there are always people walking around.’

Fed by an underground spring, the pond is thought to date back to the 12th century when it supplied fish for a local monastery.

Police were seen cutting back vegetation today as teams surveyed the pond area

It is now a popular spot for fishermen and has jetties and wooden platforms for anglers.

Today, police teams cut back vegetation in the wooded area around the pond during their investigation.

A statement from Essex Police said: “An inquiry is ongoing with the Essex and Kent Serious Crime Directorate and initial inquiries are ongoing.”

Essex Police Detective Chief Inspector Antony Alcock added: “It’s the really early stage of this investigation and we’re working to establish what happened.

“I understand this is news for local residents and our officers will likely remain in the area for the next few days to continue the investigation.

“We are asking the public to respect the cordons in place and we will keep the public informed as the investigation progresses.” Police divers have searched the pond next to the 501-bed Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow.

Detective Chief Inspector Antony Alcock of Essex Police said the investigation is currently at an “early stage”.

Essex Police are appealing for information and are asking for help from anyone with relevant CCTV, dashcam or other footage.

Anyone with information can make a report on the Essex Police Department website or via our online live chat service which is available Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays) between 10am and 9pm.

It’s also an option call phone 101, citing citation incident 582 of December 31.

Anonymous reports can also be made through the independent charity @CrimestoppersUK by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.