Pensioner arrested over man’s death

The body was found earlier this month in open space in Peckham, south London.

The victim, believed to be in his 80s, white and 5ft 4in, had been dead since at least February, police said.

Officers found human remains – which they believe came from the victim – at another house nearby two weeks ago, where the suspect, a man in his 70s, was arrested.

A police spokesman said: “We know the man had been dead for at least six months.”

Officers think they know the identity of the man but have yet to trace next of kin or to identify him formally.

He is believed to have had a long grey beard and long fingernails.

A post-mortem examination was inconclusive and further tests are needed to find the cause of death.