Woman’s body found on Queen’s estate

A BODY found on the Queen’s estate was that of a young adult woman and had been at the site for between one and four months, police have said.

Detectives investigating the death are examining links to cold cases nationwide after the remains were discovered near the village of Anmer on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk.

They were spotted by a dog-walker shortly after 4pm on New Year’s Day, in woods about a mile from the main gate to Sandringham House.

A Norfolk Police spokesman said: “The pathologist believes it is highly unlikely the death was through natural causes. There is no evidence of accidental injury, damage due to firearms or a bladed weapon.

“Samples should provide a DNA profile within the next 24 hours.”

Speaking to journalists at the scene, Detective Inspector Jes Fry said: “How far back this investigation goes depends on what the experts say. We are looking at missing persons reports nationwide as well as cases we have been working on more locally for potential links.”

He added: “I cannot confirm whether she was clothed, because only my staff, the person who found the body and the person or people who put it there know that and I would like it to stay that way. The body was found by a dog-walker and was not underground. At this stage, we do not know who the victim is.”

Mr Fry said it was not yet clear if the woman was killed at the scene or taken there after death.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are in residence at Sandringham, along with the Earl and Countess of Wessex.