COUNTY NEWS: Human remains believed to be missing Sussex man

Human remains discovered in Sussex are believed to be those of missing Lancing man Mark Manning.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th May 2016, 15:31 GMT
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 01:39 GMT
Forensics teams at the site where human remains were found on Hampshire Hill in Slaugham. Picture: Eddie MitchellForensics teams at the site where human remains were found on Hampshire Hill in Slaugham. Picture: Eddie Mitchell
Forensics teams at the site where human remains were found on Hampshire Hill in Slaugham. Picture: Eddie Mitchell

Unidentified human remains were discovered on land near Slaugham, West Sussex yesterday (May 25) and a man has been arrested and charged by police.

A police statement said: “A 50-year-old Portslade man has been charged on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and prevention of a lawful burial in connection with the murder of missing Lancing man Mark Manning.

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“Human remains, which are unidentified at this stage, but believed to be those of Mark, have been discovered on land near Slaugham on Wednesday (25 May).

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Forensics teams at the site where human remains were found on Hampshire Hill in Slaugham. Picture: Eddie MitchellForensics teams at the site where human remains were found on Hampshire Hill in Slaugham. Picture: Eddie Mitchell
Forensics teams at the site where human remains were found on Hampshire Hill in Slaugham. Picture: Eddie Mitchell

“Officers from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team detained the man. He is in custody being questioned.

“Mark, 54, of Brighton Road, was last seen on 19 April 2014 before his family reported him missing on 22 April. They said it was completely out of character for him to disappear.

“Officers launched a murder investigation in June 2014. Despite extensive proof of life enquiries and searches, no one reported hearing from or seeing Mark.

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“Colin Gale, 39, of Offington Lane, Worthing, was charged with the murder of Mark Manning in January this year. He is due to stand trial on 4 July at Lewes Crown Court”.

Forensics teams at the site where human remains were found on Hampshire Hill in Slaugham. Picture: Eddie MitchellForensics teams at the site where human remains were found on Hampshire Hill in Slaugham. Picture: Eddie Mitchell
Forensics teams at the site where human remains were found on Hampshire Hill in Slaugham. Picture: Eddie Mitchell

Detective Superintendent Mike Ashcroft, head of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team said: “We are supporting the family of Mark at this very difficult time. They ask that they be left alone to grieve in peace. Our enquiries are continuing.”

To read a timeline of events since Mr Manning’s disappearance, click here.

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Related topics:Lancing