More human remains unearthed as police hunt 'suspicious' person with suitcase

07 September 2023 , 13:18

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Detectives are looking for a man with a suitcase (Image: BournemouthEcho/BNPS)

More human remains have been unearthed in a park as police are on the hunt for someone seen with a black suitcase.

The gruesome discovery was made around 10.45am on Wednesday in the vicinity of Boscombe Chine Gardens, close to Boscombe Pier as police investigate the death of 49-year-old Simon Shotton. While formal identification is yet to be completed, Dorset Police strongly suspect the remains belong to Mr Shotton and have accordingly updated his family about the latest find.

Dorset Police's Major Crime Investigation Team is keen to speak anyone who may have noticed an individual "in possession of a black suitcase acting suspiciously in the vicinity" between Friday, August 18 and Friday, September 1. The team launched a murder inquiry after human remains were discovered in a bag at the Manor Steps Zig Zag, off Boscombe Overcliff Drive, around 1.30pm on Saturday, August 26.

Court proceedings revealed that Simon Shotton was believed to have been killed prior to August 26. His remains were found in a bag on the cliff at Boscombe, with additional remains discovered in two separate locations. Officers spearheading the ongoing murder investigation in Boscombe have issued a fresh appeal. Detective Inspector Neil Third said: "While we have yet to formally identify the latest remains discovered, at this time we do believe this is linked to our ongoing investigation and the family of Simon Shotton has been updated. Our thoughts remain with them at this very difficult time.

"It is crucial that as part of our ongoing investigation, we speak to anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area of Boscombe Chine Gardens between Friday, August 18 and Friday, September 1, 2023. I am particularly keen to speak to anyone who has seen somebody in possession of a black suitcase acting suspiciously in the vicinity. I would again like to thank members of the community in Boscombe for their continued patience and understanding while this latest cordon is in place."

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Call police on 101 with any information.

Debbie Ann Pereira, 38, and Benjamin Lee Atkins, 48, have been charged with his murder and made their appearance via video link at Bournemouth Crown Court on Wednesday morning and will reappear at the same court on Friday, October 20.

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Kelly-Ann Mills