20/10/2008

Father Questioned Over Woodland Body Find

Detectives investigating the murder of a 19-year-old woman, whose skeletal remains were discovered in woodland, have been granted more time to question her father.

Sussex Police who arrested the 45-year-old on Saturday on suspicion of murder, have been granted a further 36 hours to question him on Sunday.

Victoria Couchman, 19, is thought to have died around 18 months ago, and it is unclear if she was reported missing. Children playing near the Wishing Tree Reservoir, in Redgeland Wood, Hastings in East Sussex discovered Victoria’s skull last Monday. Further forensic searches revealed other remains including an upper left leg, pelvic bone and tibia.

Sources said the man being questioned was Miss Couchman's father.

A fingertip search is continuing in the woods.

It was originally thought the remains had been in the woods for up to 10 years. However, following further discoveries police said they think they have been there for around 18 months.

The skeleton's upper left leg had suffered a full break and had been pinned.

(JM)

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