POLICE have so far been unable to confirm the identity – or even the gender – of a suspected murder victim whose ‘partial remains’ were found near a seafront walkway.

The gruesome discovery of partial human remains was made off the Manor Steps Zig Zag, off Boscombe Overcliff Drive, Boscombe, at around 1.10pm on Saturday (August 26) by a member of the public.

Dorset Police said officers from the Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT) are continuing with a large number of enquiries and searches at the location of where the remains were found are ongoing. A cordon at the site remains in place.

Detective Inspector Neil Third, of MCIT, said: “Our searches are likely to continue for some days as the terrain at the location is very challenging.

“We appreciate that this has an impact on members of the public in the area and I am grateful for everyone’s patience as we need to ensure that the whole area is searched extensively.

“I am not in a position to go into any further details about the remains that have been found – only that they are partial human remains. However, I am confident that we are treating this as a murder investigation.”

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However, he said identifying the body was proving challenging.

“So far, it has not been possible to identify the victim or their gender,” he added. “It is likely to take some time to establish any possible details.

“A vast number of enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the death, including looking at CCTV and house-to-house enquiries.

“I would like to renew my appeal to anyone with any information regarding this matter, or who has seen any suspicious activity around the area of the Manor Steps Zig Zag in Boscombe in recent days, to please inform police.

“Any information, images or other material can be uploaded to the Major Incident Public Portal that has been set up.

“There will continue to be an increased police presence in the area and officers can be approached by members of the public with any information or concerns.”

Anyone with information should submit it to the investigation team via the Major Incident Public Portal page, at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/55HQ23M99-PO1.

If you are unable to submit information online, call 101, quoting incident number 55230135228, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.