Remains Found

Police in Walsall have unearthed what they believe to be the remains of a foetus from the garden of an address in Huddocks View, Pelsall, which is currently sealed off for ongoing examination.

Officers and forensic archaeologists made the discovery late yesterday, Wednesday 23 June 2010, during a search of the property and garden after an initial scan of the location.

The remains are now being sent for further tests and forensic examinations.

The excavation team of police and specialist investigators will resume its work in the garden later this morning, Thursday 24 June.

A 29-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man have been arrested in connection with the police inquiry and have been bailed pending further enquiries.

This investigation follows information being given to police about possible remains being buried in the garden. Early indications are that these remains would be foetal, rather than full-term births.

It is understood the information relates to potentially historic incidents.

House to house enquiries are being carried out in the area and officers are liaising with their local partners.

Local neighbourhood teams have been in the area giving out reassurance letters to the local community to inform them of their actions.

DCI Sean Phillips, leading the investigation, stated that it was uncertain at this stage whether there were any other foetal remains to be unearthed, but that the search would continue until it was absolutely certain that everything of significance to the inquiry had been recovered.

The occupants of the property, a woman and her four children, are actively being cared for at another address by Social Services to ensure they receive the appropriate care and support they need.