Man, 86, released under investigation after human remains found in septic tank
Police believe the body is that of farmer’s wife Brenda Venables, who was reported missing by her husband in 1982.
An 86-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the discovery of human remains in a septic tank has been released under investigation.
Detectives believe the remains are those of farmer’s wife Brenda Venables, who disappeared in 1982.
Mrs Venables, 48, was reported missing from the couple’s then home in Bestmans Lane, Kempsey, by her husband David.
West Mercia Police launched a murder investigation after the grim find at the address in the Worcestershire village on July 12.
Police would not be drawn on activity at the scene other than to say it was “a line of investigation”.
Flowers have been placed on the septic tank in which the remains were found, in the backyard of the farmhouse where Mr and Mrs Venables lived when she disappeared.
A force spokesman said detectives are still awaiting DNA results but “the general circumstances lead us to believe” the remains are likely to be those of Mrs Venables.
In May 1982, Mr Venables told the Worcester News: “I just woke up to find that she had gone.
The couple had no children, according to the article.
It is understood the remains were discovered after the tank was drained during routine maintenance.
Police said the formal identification process is likely to take a few weeks.
A West Mercia Police spokesman said: “Police investigating the discovery of female human remains in Kempsey, Worcestershire, on Friday July 12 have released a man under investigation.
“The investigation is currently ongoing and officers are exploring various lines of inquiry.”
