New Addington residents living near Rowdown Fields are frightened after ‘human remains’ were found in the park. Officers have cordoned off the entire open space in Croydon after possible human remains were discovered by a dog walker Tuesday morning (April 2).
Officers were called to the scene shortly after 9am as officers began closing off sections of the area shortly afterwards. Throughout Tuesday and Wednesday specialist officers and dog units were pictured combing the area for evidence. Superintendent Lewis Collins confirmed yesterday the remains will be sent away for a full analysis.
Despite officers remaining in the area to reassure residents, many told MyLondon they were “unsettled” by the shocking discovery a few hundred metres from their homes. Jenny, who owns Vintage off-licence in Field Way and lives just off Rowdown Fields, said: “It’s not nice, I feel really sorry for the person who found it. The fact that someone would chop up a body is crazy.
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“I’ve lived here for 53 years, and it’s a friendly place but it has changed in recent years. But I’d actually never feel safe anywhere else. I shut my shop at 10 and often people will offer to walk me home if it’s dark.”
These feelings were echoed by others who live near the crime who said they never have many problems in the area. “I don’t like it, it’s frightening,” one nearby resident told MyLondon. “Overall it’s a lovely safe community. I’ve had four kids and grandkids all grow up here.”
Her neighbour, who also asked to remain anonymous, added: “I woke up yesterday and saw tape at 10.30am but then all this has gone up since. The worst thing they ever did was plant bushes down there as they’re really thick and it hides much of that area from view.
“I don’t like walking my dog down there anymore because of this.. It’s a bit daunting. it’s a field that kids often play in. But generally this is a quiet and very safe area. Even a policeman said it’s so nice up here because we all know one another.”
Metropolitan Police has asked people not to speculate about the circumstances of the discovery. Superintendent Lewis Collins said on Tuesday: “We are aware of the concerns within the local community following the discovery of possible human remains in the Croydon area this morning. The remains will be sent away for full analysis.
“I would like to reassure you that officers remain on scene and we will be carrying out a number of enquiries over the coming days to establish exactly what has happened.
“While our investigation is still at a very early stage, I would ask that people do not speculate on the circumstances and will we update you as soon as we have further information.”
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