Putney murder: Two arrests made after body found in back garden so badly burnt it cannot be identified

A murder investigation has been launched after the burnt remains of a body were found at a residential address.

The remains, found in the rear garden of a property in Putney, had been too badly damaged to establish the gender and age of the victim.

Police suspect an attempt had been made to dispose of a body.

A post mortem is yet to be held, but a man and woman have been arrested on suspicion of murder, Scotland Yard said.

Police and firefighters were called to the address in Wimbledon Park Road to reports of a fire and fatality on Wednesday (September 20).

It is being investigated by the Met’s Homicide and Major Crime Command (HMCC) which is working closely with police in Wandsworth.

DI Richard Leonard from HMCC said: “A badly burned body has been found in the rear garden of this residential address.

“We are doing everything we can to identify the deceased.

“A post-mortem examination will establish how they died.

“Early indications are that attempts were made to dispose of the body.”

A 40-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman were arrested at the scene on Wednesday on suspicion of murder.

Both have been taken to separate south London police stations where they are being questioned.

Superintendent Peter Gardner said: “I fully appreciate the concern that this investigation will cause in the local community.

“Specialist investigators will be carrying out work at the scene whilst local neighbourhood officers will be patrolling in and around the area to help reassure residents and, where possible, respond to their concerns.”

'You may well have seen or heard something suspicious'

DI Leonard added: “I would like to appeal to those in and around the area to come forward with information.

“You may well have seen or heard something suspicious in the last few days which could assist our investigators.”

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