Arrest made after human remains found in Worcestershire

Detectives 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 human remains was found in a septic tank at the address in the Worcestershire village on 12 July.

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

Police officers have been carrying out searches at the bungalow where Mr Venables, 86, now lives in the village.

Three police vehicles 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".

Flowers have been placed on the septic tank in which the remains were found, in the backyard of a farmhouse in which Mr and Mrs Venables lived when she went missing.

A force spokesman said detectives were still awaiting DNA results but "the general circumstances lead us to believe" that the remains are likely to be those of Brenda Venables.

Police said the formal identification process was likely to take a few weeks.