Police dig up body in cancer victim's garden

A body wrapped in carpet was discovered at the back of a home in

Alderville Road, Fulham, west London, after a tip-off.

Terminal cancer sufferer Roy Heath, 52, who lives at the address, has been arrested by police and is being treated in a Lambeth hospital.

A team of Metropolitan Police officers, accompanied by a forensic archaeologist, have been excavating the garden for more than two days.

Detective Inspector Tim Dobson, of the Met's homicide and serious crime command, said tests were under way to identify the body. He said: "It is believed that the body may have been at the scene for between 15 and 20 years.

"While inquiries are under way to establish the identity of this person we are keen to speak to anyone who may have lived in this road around that time."

Neighbours said police were seen removing bags from the house on Tuesday. They said the garden had been covered with a patio for several years.

Will Rollo, 31, who installs home cinemas, said last night: "They were drilling yesterday but I think they've dug it all up now.

"It's a couple who live at the house. I think he is unwell. I knew he had cancer."