The identification of a suspected ‘homicide sufferer’ whose physique was found by a dogwalker in a pond subsequent to an NHS hospital has been revealed by police.
Police mentioned that they had recognized the sufferer as Phillip Lewis, 59, referred to as ‘Scottish Phil’, from Harlow, Essex.
A 52-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of homicide, whereas a 23-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit homicide. They’re each presently in custody.
The physique of Mr Lewis was present in Oakwood Pond in Harlow, Essex, near the Princess Alexandra Hospital on New Yr’s Eve after a canine walker reported a suspicious object within the water.
Police mentioned that they had recognized the sufferer as Phillip Lewis (pictured), 59, referred to as ‘Scottish Phil’, from Harlow, Essex
The physique of Mr Lewis was present in Oakwood Pond (above) in Harlow, Essex, near the Princess Alexandra Hospital on New Yr’s Eve after a canine walker reported a suspicious object within the water
An area man, Paul, who didn’t want to give his final identify, mentioned his canine Brandy had discovered the physique elements within the pond.
Chatting with the PA information company, he mentioned: ‘It was my canine with my son-in-law they usually had been on the pond, and the canine pulled him down in direction of the water.
‘(My son-in-law) thought he was going for the ball as a result of the ball was within the water.
‘However no, he went by way of the water and stopped useless, you understand how canine do, and there have been two physique elements.’
Paul mentioned the canine had discovered a pelvis in addition to one other physique half.
He mentioned his son-is-law was ‘fairly upset about all of it’, including: ‘It was a ugly discover.’
‘It isn’t good in any respect, particularly for all who stay round right here – particularly for my neighbour who knew him, which is even worse,’ Paul mentioned.
‘I do not know him however I do know he was fairly a likeable fellow.’
Specialist officers are persevering with their enquiries at Oakwood Pond in Harlow immediately following the launch of a homicide investigation
Detective Superintendent Rob Kirby, Head of Main Crime, mentioned: ‘Phil lived in Harlow for a few years and had a large circle of pals who he socialised with.
‘I wish to prolong my condolences to Phil’s family and friends and re-iterate my dedication to them that we are going to work relentlessly to carry these accountable for his homicide to justice.
‘This has been a fast-paced investigation and we’ve labored shortly to make arrests, however our work doesn’t cease there.
‘Specialist officers are persevering with to look the world across the pond and work to empty it’s ongoing. That is actually vital to determine doubtlessly very important proof.
‘A group of devoted specialist detectives are persevering with to work across the clock to offer Phil’s pals and households the solutions they want about what occurred to him and why.’
Specialist officers are persevering with their enquiries at Oakwood Pond in Harlow immediately following the launch of a homicide investigation.
Work to empty the pond has begun as a part of the work to collect proof following the invention of human stays on New Years Eve.
Specialist police search advisors have been working on the scene since Saturday afternoon to hold out searches within the space.
Work to empty the pond has begun as a part of the work to collect proof following the invention of human stays on New Years Eve
Officers have additionally been among the many neighborhood finishing up house-to-house enquiries.
Det Supt Kirby added that Essex Police wanted the general public’s assist.
He mentioned: ‘I wish to thank the neighborhood right here in Harlow for his or her assist and understanding.
‘I do know this investigation has induced shock and concern, however we do not consider there may be an ongoing threat to the broader public.
‘You’ll proceed to see a visual police presence within the space and you probably have any data or considerations please come and converse to one among our officers.
‘Particularly, we want individuals residing within the space across the pond to test their CCTV and doorbell footage going again to the start of November.
‘We additionally need anybody who got here into contact with Phil since 1 November, and any pals or acquaintances, to return ahead.
‘And anybody who commonly visits the pond and the encircling space who has seen something suspicious within the final two months.
‘Any data you might have, regardless of how insignificant you consider it’s, could possibly be very important for our investigation.’
