Skeleton found in Wolverhampton 'may take weeks to identify'

Apr 4 2008 By Steve Johnson

SKELETAL remains discovered in a canal in the Black Country could take weeks to identify, it was revealed today.

Detectives said the remains were those of a man aged between his late teens and 30s.

They were found in the canal near Cannock Road, Wolverhampton, at about 7pm on Sunday by a member of the public.

Specialist police officers recovered the remains from the water and inquiries so far have established they could have been in the canal up to eight months. Det Insp Mark Payne, of Wednesfield CID, said the remains were in an "extremely decomposed" state.

"It is therefore very important to ensure this inquiry is carried out thoroughly and professionally during the early stages of the investigation," he added.

"It is believed the remains are those of a man aged between his late teens and 30s - that is as specific as we can be at this stage."

Det Insp Payne said that DNA tests were being carried out on the remains.

"We are able to confirm that the skeleton is not intact but we cannot go into further details at this stage. A post mortem examination will be carried out in due course.

"We are working with the Wolverhampton Coroner and alongside the West Midlands Police Major Investigation Unit in this inquiry.

"We are clearly treating this find very seriously and are asking for the help of members of the public to come forward with any information they may have.

"We are currently reviewing our missing persons database as a matter of routine."

Anyone with information is asked to contact CID at Wednesfield police station on 0845 113 5000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, where information can be given anonymously.