Police in seafront torso probe find second body part as man quizzed

The body, with the head, arms and legs missing, was found wrapped in a black bin liner on the seafront at Southsea, Portsmouth, Hampshire, on Tuesday.

A 46-year-old man, from Southsea, was arrested on Thursday evening on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

At about 8am yesterday, officers found what they believe to be the lower half of the body on the rocks at low tide in front of Castle Field, Southsea – not far from where the torso was discovered. Specialist forensic officers are examining this area and a residential street in Southsea, Richmond Road, was yesterday sealed off for further searches. Police believe that more body parts may be in the area.

Detectives say the victim has been identified and they are working to locate his next of kin.

Detective Chief Inspector Dick Pearson, of Hampshire police, said: “We continue to appeal to the community to contact us with any information which could assist us. Despite this morning’s discovery which is connected to the investigation, other body parts and items linked to the murder remain outstanding.

“If you notice a suspicious package that may be linked to this inquiry do not open it, but contact police immediately.

“Although the arrest and discovery of further body parts are significant developments in the investigation, we are still in the early stages of evidence gathering.

“We would also like to hear from anyone who noticed any suspicious activity or people on the seafront.”

Forensics officers wearing full-body white suits have been carrying out searches of a disused garage in Richmond Road, Southsea, as well as at an adjacent block of flats. The street has been closed to traffic, with a police cordon set up, and residents having to sign in and out as they leave and return