Sandringham body sparks review of cold cases

Detectives investigating the discovery of a woman's body on the Queen's estate are examining links to cold cases nationwide.

The human remains were found by a dog walker shortly after 4pm on New Year's Day about two miles west of the village of Anmer on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk.

The body was found in woods on farmland about a mile from the main gate to Sandringham House.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are currently in residence, along with the Earl and Countess of Wessex.

Speaking to journalists at the scene, Detective Inspector Jes Fry said: "How far back this investigation goes depends on what the experts say.

"We are looking at missing persons reports nationwide as well as cases we have been working on more locally for potential links."

He added: "Entomology and pathology work is under way and we expect the body to be recovered and taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn later today.

"The body has been in situ for some time but I can't comment on whether that is weeks, months or years.

"It is the body of a female but I cannot comment on her age.

"I cannot confirm whether she was clothed because, at the moment, only my staff, the person who found the body and the person or people who put it there know that and I would like it to stay that way.

"The body was found by a dog walker and was not underground.

"At this stage we do not know who the victim is."

Mr Fry said it was not yet clear if the woman was killed at the scene or taken there after death.

Pathologist Nat Cary arrived at the site this morning to examine the body.

Entomologists are examining insect life on the body to establish how long it had been there.

Mr Fry added that police had informed the Sandringham estate about the find and officers responsible for protecting the royals had been updated on the situation.

One Anmer resident said: "We were all aware of the police activity and normally in this area gossip travels fast. But at the moment we know very little other than the fact a body has been found."

A post-mortem will be carried out later today.

PA