Two potential witnesses being sought by detectives in connection with the discovery of human remains in a Sudbury river two years ago have been identified.

Officers were called at around 4.35pm on Thursday 27 August 2020, after human remains were found inside two black bin bags in the River Stour, near Meadow Gate and Croft Bridge.

A Home Office post-mortem examination conducted three days later (on Sunday 30 August) was not able to establish a cause of death or any form of identification.

Expert forensic tests have been continuing over the past two years to help build a profile of the victim, who was an adult male and likely to have been of an athletic or muscular build. He is believed to have died between 2008 and 2012 and was likely to have been aged in his late 50s to early 60s.

The latest test results have now indicated that the victim was a white male, approximately 5ft 9in tall, of medium build and North European.

As part of the two-year anniversary appeal issued last month, detectives released an image of a man and a woman they wanted to trace in connection with the investigation.

These two people – who are being treated as potential witnesses and are not suspects – have since come forward and been spoken to by officers, assisting them with their enquiries.

The investigation team would like to thank members of the public and media for their assistance with this appeal, but still ask anyone with information about the discovery of 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.

They would also like to hear from anyone who has concerns over a male relative, friend or colleague they haven’t seen or heard from, since between 2008 and 2012 and who was aged in their late 50s or early 60s at the time.

Anyone with information that could assist the inquiry is asked to contact the Major Investigation Team, either via the online portal here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/363720N59-PO1 or by calling 101.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org