Third human foot found in Bath

Police are 'keeping an open mind' as to whether the foot is linked to two previous discoveries in February and July, which are not believed to be suspicious

Cranwells Park in Bath, where a human foot has been found (Google Street View)

A severed human foot has been found in a garden of a house in Bath – the third of its kind to be discovered in the area this year.

The body part was found in Cranwells Park in the north west of the historic city, according to Avon and Somerset Police, who have sent it for forensic analysis.

Police have said they are “keeping an open mind” as to whether the foot is linked to the two previous discoveries in February and July, which are not believed to be suspicious.

The first foot was found by dog walkers in a park six months ago – just metres from the latest discovery, which was made at 2:30pm on Wednesday.

“Following a comprehensive investigation, it was concluded that the first foot was more than likely to be an exhibit from a medical or educational establishment and was not the result of a crime,” said Avon and Somerset police in a statement.

The second foot, which was located in the garden of a property on nearby Weston Park in July, is still undergoing tests and is likely to be linked to the first, said police.

“The same officers are looking into the latest discoveries and will look to confirm beyond all reasonable doubt that they are linked and if there are any new lines of inquiry which can be taken forward.”

All three gruesome discoveries were made near to the site of the Royal United Hospital (RUH), which is licenced under the Human Tissue Act 2004 to undertake post mortem examinations.

But a spokesperson for the hospital said the mysterious body parts were nothing to do with the institution.

“We have never kept body parts anywhere at the hospital as this pathology has never been part of our healthcare activities. It is in any case very closely managed by law,” said Howard Jones, RUH Director of Estates and Facilities.

“We employ a specialist clinical waste contractor, who is subject to due diligence checks to ensure that licence requirements are met. This contractor undertakes incineration offsite,” he said.

Simon Clarke discovered the first foot, cut just above the ankle, with Nicky Jefferies.

He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme at the time the left foot was “old, leathery, yellow… dirty or stained. It looked to me that it had been parted company from its owner for some time.”

“It was thin, it was long, there was skin on the sole of the foot, which was quite crinkled and crumpled up around the heel,” said Ms Jefferies.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the force on 101, quoting log number 558 of August 3.