Police have begun a murder investigation after the discovery of a human skeleton in a field in the Midlands and have appealed for information about socks and a shoe found at the site.
Nottinghamshire Police said they believe the victim was murdered and that evidence gathered during a three-week search of the scene suggested the body was buried there in an attempt to prevent its discovery.
A number of bones were found on April 26 by a member of the public after construction work on farmland in Coxmoor Road, near Sutton-in-Ashfield, prompting a police operation which saw the exhumation of further remains.
Extensive work and a post-mortem examination have been conducted by a team of scientists, including an anthropologist, suggesting the skeleton is a male aged 40-60 and between 5ft 4in and 5ft 6in tall.
DNA testing has ruled out a link with the disappearance and suspected murder of Robin Barrows Spencer, 47, a local man who was reported missing by his mother in June 2004.
Officers are now awaiting the results of radiocarbon dating testing which would help provide a scientific range for date of death and could provide a minimum timeframe in which the body has been buried.
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Griffin, of Nottinghamshire Police, said police believe the victim was murdered due to the injuries sustained, which include trauma to parts of his skeleton and are undergoing further analysis.
He added the murder is not recent as it takes a number of years for the body to decompose to bone.
Griffin, who said two socks and a shoe were found at the site, said: “It is important to remember this is not just a collection of bones in a field.
“This is someone’s loved one whose family will have undoubtedly been waiting many years for answers.
“His family are at the forefront of our minds and that is why we have been meticulous in our decision-making by ensuring we were at the scene in Coxmoor Road for three weeks to ensure we can gather as much evidence as possible.
“It is imperative that we can provide his family with all the answers they need and that the work we do now can ensure those responsible for his death are brought to justice.
“This will obviously be distressing for the local community to hear, as at this moment in time, we cannot provide identification.”
Officers have also addressed “rumour and speculation” about the discovery and stressed that there is nothing to indicate any other bodies are buried at the site.
Superintendent Claire Rukas said: “This is a single grave with a single deceased person in it.
“We know the woods around Coxmoor Road are a popular walking spot. We know the discovery of human remains will be alarming, but the public have nothing to be afraid of and they are safe to use.”
