Information on Loughborough

Police release image of suitcase

Posted on 19/04/2009

police,constabulary,leicestershire police Police release image of suitcase A replica of the suitcase which housed the torso

A replica of the suitcase which housed the torso

Detectives investigating the murder of a man whose body parts have been found in Hertfordshire and Leicestershire, are releasing more information and images, to help assist them identify the victim.

Forensic tests of the body parts continue, but they have just confirmed that the victim, who officers are working tirelessly to identify, had dark hair. Experts have also been able to provide more information about his height, which has been narrowed down to between 5ft 8ins and 5ft 10ins tall. He was also described as having a stocky build but may have been overweight.

Examinations by an anthropologist have also just revealed that he suffered a fracture to his collarbone which would have required hospital treatment. The fracture was not believed to be a recent injury.

Detectives are also releasing images of a replica of the green suitcase in which the torso was found on Saturday, (April 11) in Gore Lane, near Standon. The suitcase was from the same ‘Gullivers range as the holdall that contained the left leg, the first discovery, by a layby on the A507 near Cottered, on Sunday, March 22

The ‘Gullivers range is believed to have been sold through ‘Mister Minit key cutting and shoe repair outlets before they were taken over by the ‘Timpsons chain. The bags come in a set of six and may have been purchased as long ago as six to eight years previously.

Both bags had attached a solid brass padlock that was not part of the original set.

Detective Superintendent Julia McKechnie, who is leading the investigation in Leicestershire Constabulary, said: "It is vitally important that we identify this victim. Weve now built up a detailed description of the individual and someone must know who he is. If you have any information, however small you think it might be, I would ask that you call police so we can investigate."

Detective Chief Inspector Michael Hanlon, from the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: "We are working tirelessly to identify the victim of this terrible crime, and have widened our search to look at all missing persons in the country.

"Although we are methodically working through these reports, it may be that our victim hasnt been reported as missing so I would strongly urge anyone who believes they know who this victim is, based on the detailed description we have given, to contact police immediately.

"Identifying the victim to this horrendous crime will prove a major development in our investigation so it is vital that anyone who has information should make contact. You can give information in the strictest of confidence via the incident room 01707 354432.