Human remains discovered in park near London school as Met launch probe – ‘Awful!’

An investigation has been launched after possible human remains have been discovered at a South London park.

Officers and forensic detectives attended the scene in Rowdown Fields in New Addington.

Officers confirmed the remains will now be sent away for full analysis.

Detectives were called to the discovery near Applegarth Academy at 9am yesterday and remained at the scene overnight.

Superintendent Lewis Collins said: “We are aware of the concerns within the local community following the discovery of possible human remains in the Croydon area this morning.

“The remains will be sent away for full analysis.

“I would like to reassure you that officers remain on scene and we will be carrying out a number of enquiries over the coming days to establish exactly what has happened.

“While our investigation is still at a very early stage, I would ask that people do not speculate on the circumstances and will we update you as soon as we have further information.”

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Local resident Becky Phillips described the discovery as “awful”.

Another, Deb Watts, also told Mail Online: “This is so sad, thoughts are with the family.”

Another resident, aged 80, who asked not to be named, told MyLondon: “I don’t like it, it’s frightening. My husband is housebound and we live just opposite the park.

“We’ve never had any problems, it’s a lovely safe community. I’ve had four kids and grandkids all grow up here.”

Last October a similar discovery was made in Crystal Palace Park with police later confirming it was “material from a placenta”.

The mother and child had both been identified and no offence was committed.