Police confirm Leicestershire head belongs to murder victim whose arm was found near St Albans

DETECTIVES have confirmed that a human head found in Leicestershire is from the same victim whose arm and leg were found locally. A severed arm was discovered on Nomansland Common near Wheathampstead on Sunday - a week after the same victim s leg was foun

DETECTIVES have confirmed that a human head found in Leicestershire is from the same victim whose arm and leg were found locally.

A severed arm was discovered on Nomansland Common near Wheathampstead on Sunday - a week after the same victim's leg was found in Cottered, near Baldock.

And on Tuesday the man's head was discovered in a field in Asfordby, Leicestershire.

Police from Leicestershire and Herts announced in a press conference this morning (Friday) that tests had proved that the head was linked to the other body parts and confirmed that a joint murder inquiry had been launched. The victim's identity remains a mystery.

Detective Superintendent Julia McKechnie, of Leicestershire Police, said: "Previously the discoveries in Herts were being investigated separately to the discovery made in Leicestershire. However following this latest development, one murder investigation is now taking place."

Examination of the body parts has not yet concluded how the man came to die.

A full DNA profile has been obtained but no matches were found on the national DNA database. But detectives believe the victim is a white or Asian adult man between 5ft 6ins and 5 ft 10ins tall with a shoe size of between a 7 and a 9.

He also had a skin condition which caused discolouration in the pigmentation of the skin around the ankle giving a "bleaching" effect. Examinations have also concluded that the victim suffered from eczema which caused the skin to 'scale.'

Detective Chief Inspector Michael Hanlon from the Beds and Herts Major Crime Unit, said: "Officers from the investigating team will continue to meticulously check through missing person reports looking for a match of the description of the man, and this will include checking dental records."

He added: "Lines of inquiry which have come to light since the initial discovery are being followed up but at this stage no speculation can be made about how this man was murdered. I would like to appeal once again to anyone who may have any information which could assist our investigation to contact the incident room without delay."

Anyone who has seen any suspicious activity around the three separate locations or thinks they know the identity of the victim, should call the Beds and Herts Major Crime Unit on 0845 3300 222. If you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.