Boscombe murder investigation – renewed appeal
Detectives leading the ongoing murder investigation in Boscombe are issuing a renewed appeal following a further reported discovery of human remains.
The investigation was initially launched following a report on Saturday 26 August 2023 of partial human remains being discovered in the area of the Manor Steps Zig Zag, off Boscombe Overcliff Drive.
Following detailed enquiries and scientific analysis, the victim was identified as 49-year-old Simon Shotton from Bournemouth.
Two people – 38-year-old Debbie Ann Pereira and 48-year-old Benjamin Lee Atkins, both of Bournemouth – were charged with murder and have appeared in court. They are next due to appear at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday 20 October 2023.
Detectives from Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT) have been continuing to carry out enquiries in relation to the case and at around 10.45am on Wednesday 6 September 2023, it is reported that further human remains were located in the area of Boscombe Chine Gardens, near to Boscombe Pier.
A police cordon has been put in place as investigative work has been carried out.
Detective Inspector Neil Third, of MCIT, said: “While we have yet to formally identify the latest remains discovered, at this time we do believe this is linked to our ongoing investigation and the family of Simon Shotton has been updated. Our thoughts remain with them at this very difficult time.
“It is important that as part of our ongoing investigation, we speak to anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area of Boscombe Chine Gardens between Friday 18 August and Friday 1 September 2023. I am particularly keen to speak to anyone who has seen somebody in possession of a black suitcase acting suspiciously in the vicinity.
“Information can be uploaded through our dedicated Major Incident Public Portal for this case.
“I would again like to thank members of the community in Boscombe for their continued patience and understanding while this latest cordon is in place.”
Anyone with information is asked to 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, please call 101 quoting occurrence number 55230135228. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.
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