Head in bag woman is identified

Published on Friday 9 January 2009 08:49

POLICE have identified the woman whose head was discovered in a shopping bag in Newhaven as 44-year-old Heather Stacey from Edinburgh.

DNA tests confirmed her identity and police said she is believed to have died within the last two years.

Tests are continuing to establish the exact circumstances of her death.

The head and other remains were found on a footpath at Hawthornvale by a dog walker on Hogmanay.

Officers searching the scene later found a number of other bones in bags, along with "various materials" at the same time.

A 54-year-old man today appeared in court in connection with the discovery of the remains.

Alan Cameron, from Edinburgh, appeared in private before Sheriff John Horsburgh QC at Edinburgh Sheriff Court this afternoon charged with attempting to defeat the ends of justice and breach of the peace.

It is understood the alleged offences took place over the course of the last year.

He made no plea and has been remanded in custody while the case continues for further examination.

Police are today carrying out a number of searches in Edinburgh as part of the ongoing enquiry. These searches are expected to continue over the coming days.

They are appealing for anyone who has any knowledge of Heather Stacey to contact them immediately.

A team of 30 officers were working to identify the remains.

Officers had initially described the head as "mummified" and said it may have belonged to a person who had been dead for up to 15 years.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131-311 3131 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800-555 111.