POLICE have met with fearful residents to offer reassurance following the gruesome discovery of human remains in a field in Warfield.

Thames Valley Police officers spoke to neighbours yesterday after workmen uncovered the skeletal remains of an adult man while clearing ditches in Hawthorn Lane at 4pm on Friday.

A post mortem that took place on Sunday proved to be inconclusive, though the remains are thought to be at least two years old.

Insp Jon Goosey, featured in the video below, says identification of the body may take 'longer than usual' and thanks residents for their patience while they investigate the scene.

The site of the shock discovery is popular with dog walkers and is surrounded by a number of farms including Fernygrove Farm in Hawthorn Hill and neighbouring Nuptown Farm in Hawthorne Lane.

Senior investigating officer, Det Sup Nora Holford, said: "Due to the fact that these skeletal remains are thought to be at least two years old, this is set to be a long and complex investigation."

She added that police officers believe the remains were dumped in the area a number of years ago.
She went on: "Our inquiries are going to establish the circumstances surrounding the death and how the remains came to be left in Warfield.

"We are also working to identify the deceased but due to the length of time we believe the remains have been here, identification may take longer than usual."

A scene watch and a forensic tent remained in place while officers continued enquiries.

The workmen were believed to be working on behalf of a private company though neither Bracknell Forest Council nor Warfield Parish Council were able to confirm any information.

Forensic teams were still on site at the beginning of the week and the area was still cordoned off with police tape on Monday, as officers and dogs hunted for clues.

A police spokeswoman confirmed that until DNA testing can confirm who the remains belong to, police will not be launching a witness appeal.