Mystery remains as Tooting Common search continues (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Mystery remains as Tooting Common search continues

12:20pm Tuesday 11th September 2012 in News

Mystery remains over the body parts found on Tooting Common with police teams continuing to check the area. Despite spending much of yesterday checking some of the isolated wooded area, further searches were carried out last night and this morning.

It emerged yesterday that the two legs found there, which are thought to belong to a child, were "white".

A special post mortem investigation is set to take place today when it is hoped a pathologist can ascertain how the limbs were severed and how long they have been there. The grim discovery was made near Dr Johnson Avenue, which bisects Tooting Common, just before 8am. The parts were found near a small grasscutters depot by staff who tend to the common.

Since then the common has been crawling with officers, sniffer dogs and forensic experts in blue suits hunting for evidence.

It is thought a number of vehicles stationed at the depot were recalled to the scene in an attempt for forensic tests.

Meanwhile some residents have expressed concern over the lack of information.

Daisy Fellows, who has walked her dog there for more than a decade, said: "I just wish we knew what we are dealing with? I assume because there is no mention of murder teams, that it is not suspicious.

"But you wouldn't know would you? No one has said anything."

Earlier rumours suggested the gruesome finds were the remains of a still birth, but later reports said they were from an older child.

A spokesman for the Met Police said: "We were called to reports of body parts, possibly of a child.

"Officers from Wandsworth are investigating to check the authenticity, but it seems to be authentic.

"We cannot say at this early stage how long the discovery had been on the common."

The area is popular with dog walkers, families and fitness enthusiasts because of the nearby pond, play area and tennis courts.

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