Golf course body mystery

Forensic experts are trying to discover the age and sex of a badly burned body found on a golf course on the outskirts of Brighton.

Players discovered the remains in undergrowth between the 17th and 18th holes at the Dyke golf club just before midday yesterday. One of the feet was missing.

Police said it was so badly burnt it has not yet been possible to establish the sex or age for the person.

Sussex Police's major crime branch appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Trevor Bowles, the senior investigating officer, said: "The body has been badly burnt and at this stage we are unable to confirm the gender or estimate the age.

"However, it is clear that at least one foot is missing below the shin.

``We will try to determine at post-mortem whether this was before or after death occurred, but the body will remain in situ for the immediate future while our investigations at the scene continue.''

Mark Stuart-William, 36, head professional at the club, said the last three holes on the course were closed off while police conducted inquiries.

He said: "I have been a golf professional for around 16 years and I've not heard anything like this happening before.

"Most golf is played in the morning and by the time the body was found, most people had already been round the course.''

Anyone with information is asked to call Sussex Police on 0845 6070 999 quoting Operation Trewin or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.