Human remains found in septic tank: Man, 86, held

Police investigating the discovery of human remains in a septic tank have said they believe they are those of a farmer’s wife who disappeared in 1982.

Brenda 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 in a septic tank at the address in the Worcestershire village on July 12.

An 86-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.

Police were yesterday carrying out searches at the bungalow where Mr Venables, 86, now lives in the village.

Three marked cars including a police van and two unmarked cars were outside the detached property in the usually quiet cul-de-sac, where a red estate car could be seen parked on the driveway.

Officers wearing gloves could also be seen inside the property.

Police would not be drawn on activity at the scene other than to say it was “a line of investigation”.

Neighbours of Mr Venables said he kept to himself and always had the blinds drawn at the front of his home.

“You can see the blinds are down and that’s all of the time and that’s normal”, said a female resident, who declined to be named.

“This is very quiet here.”

She added that police had not been around since the arrest but did speak to neighbours after the remains, believed to be those of Mrs Venables, were discovered earlier this month.