Bones found in the river Stour remain unidentified five years after discovery
A piece of a skull from a man in his 50s or early 60s were found in black bin bags in the River Stour in Sudbury, Suffolk on 27 August 2020.
Last updated 27th Aug 2025
A man who was the victim of a murder is still unknown to Suffolk police, five years on from the discovery of his partial remains in a river
Body parts such as a piece of a skull of what police believe to be a white man in his late 50s or early 60s were found in black bin bags in the River Stour in Sudbury, Suffolk on 27 August 2020, sparking a murder inquiry.
Detectives have theorised that the man was targeted by an organised crime group, however no one has ever been charged with his murder.
Detective Superintendent Mike Brown said: “In the five years since human remains were discovered in the River Stour at Sudbury, we have undertaken a vast number of enquiries – including forensic, CCTV and house-to-house around the town.
“The DNA profile of the victim has been compared on both UK & international databases, but despite this the victim remains unidentified. We have also utilised the help of the National Crime Agency, regional partners and other specialists and experts from across the country.
“Without a breakthrough on who the victim is, further enquiries linked to them and their associates is obviously not possible. Our leading hypothesis remains that we believe the deceased was likely to have been the victim of organised crime.
“The case has been subject to multiple media appeals and has twice featured on BBC Crimewatch Live. I would continue to urge anyone who believes they have information that could assist us to please make contact without further delay.”
Detectives are appealing for anyone with information about the discovery of the human remains in the River Stour to come forward. This includes anyone who witnessed any suspicious behaviour near the river in the days and weeks preceding the discovery on Thursday 27 August 2020.