Human remains found after houseboat fire
VIDEO: Police divers have been searching a canal in Oxfordshire for clues after bones - believed to be human - were found on a burnt-out house boat. Juliette Fletcher reports.
Boat fire: human remains found
Thames Valley Police are appealing for witnesses after a boat caught alight.
Police divers on location at boat fire - first pictures
Police divers on location in Oxford after the discovery of human bones after a houseboat fire.
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Police investigate 'bones discovery'
An investigation has been launched after human bones were discovered on a houseboat that was devastated by fire.
Police were called to a report of a houseboat being set on fire while moored on the canal in Wolvercote in Oxford at around 11pm on Friday.
Detectives believe the boat could have been torched some nine hours earlier.
The severity of the fire has so far hampered investigations into what caused it but officers believe bones found on board are human, Thames Valley Police said.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Bird, leading the investigation, said: "We have been working closely with the fire service to establish the full circumstances surrounding how the fire happened and now believe that the boat could have been alight at around 2am on Friday morning.
"The boat has been badly burnt by the fire and so it has been difficult for us to carry out our investigation.
"We have, however, found some bones on the boat which we believe to be human and are working hard to identify these further.
"I urge anyone who might have seen what happened or has information to help us with our inquiries and has not yet spoken to a police officer to come forward."
Anyone with information is asked to call Thames Valley Police on 101, or alternatively Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Police say human bones found on boat
An investigation has been launched into the discovery of what police say are human bones found on a houseboat in Oxford that was set on fire. Officers were called to the canal in Wolvercote on Friday night. The fire was so severe investigators are still not sure what caused it.
– Det Ch Insp Andy Bird, Thames Valley PoliceWe have been working closely with the fire service to establish the full circumstances surrounding how the fire happened and now believe that the boat could have been alight at around 2am on Friday morning. The boat has been badly burnt by the fire and so it has been difficult for us to carry out our investigation. We have however found some bones on the boat which we believe to be human and are working hard to identify these further. I urge anyone who might have seen what happened or has information to help us with our enquiries and has not yet spoken to a police officer to come forward.
Witnesses sought after houseboat fire
Thames Valley Police have launched a witness appeal after a houseboat moored in Oxford was set on fire. Officers were called to the scene at the canal in Wolvercote near the Peartree Roundabout at around 11pm on the night of Friday 16th November.
– Detective Chief Inspector Andy Bird, Thames Valley Police“We are currently working closely with the fire service to establish the full circumstances surrounding how the fire happened.
“I would like to urge anyone who might have seen what happened or has information to help us with our enquiries and has not yet spoken to a police officer to come forward.”
Anyone with information can contact Thames Valley Police by telephoning 101. Or by calling the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.