Cornwall murder scene has police from all over the country searching woodland

Officers from across the country have been brought in as a heavy police presence remains in woodlands outside a small village where a murder investigation is into its third week. Forensic officers from Devon and Cornwall Police are still combing an area of woodland for human remains.

The area is called Paramoor Woods and is located outside Sticker, a small village near Hewas Water, just off the A390 between St Austell and Truro. Today (Monday, July 21) an unmarked white forensic van along with a police riot van full of kit were parked in a layby near the entrance to a property in Lower Sticker.

Parked in the entrance were a marked forensic van from Devon and Cornwall Police as well as a marked pick-up 4x4-type vehicle. A small blue and white marquee was also in situ along with a marquee with camping chairs for officers to be able to shelter out of the rain when needing a break or cup of tea. Five yellow bin bags full of what looks like forensic overalls could be seen by the CSI tent.

A portable loo was also in place while more police vehicles were parked further down the woodland country lane. Two police officers from West Mercia and Staffordshire Police forces were guarding the scene along with a private security guard trying to stay out of the heavy rain under a black umbrella.

The inspector from West Mercia told CornwallLive that officers from other forces have been called in to help investigators from Devon and Cornwall Police under a mutual aid agreement between police forces in the UK. He wouldn't say how many officers were on scene either from the local police force or other forces. All he said was that police forces regularly ask for support from colleagues when they need the extra manpower.

Officers from several police forces are continuing to search the woods near Sticker

Meanwhile on the other side of the road, deep into the woods, officers could be seen searching the ground behind a red taped off area. While red police tape at crime scenes typically indicates a dangerous or high-risk area and tells people that entry is prohibited and that the scene needs to be preserved, the officers we spoke too remained coy about it, only saying it was "for officers' training".

Last week, Devon and Cornwall Police established a temporary air exclusion zone around the site, with only essential emergency services and those with permission from the force's airspace team permitted to operate in the area.

At the time, Detective Superintendent Kev Till said: "This is an extremely complex and unique investigation with experts working methodically across a large and challenging area of woodland. Our enquiries are progressing with diligence and a significant police presence is expected to remain at the scene into the coming weeks."

An area of woodland near Sticker has been taped off by police as part of a murder probe

He said that the National Crime Agency expert group and Home Office-approved scientists are also helping out the local police force.

Earlier this month, James Desborough, 39, of Old Oak Woods in Lower Sticker, was charged with the alleged murder of Daniel Coleman, from St Austell. Desborough has since appeared before Bodmin Magistrates' Court and was remanded in custody. He is due to appear before Truro Crown Court on August 8.

Mr Coleman, 43, had been reported missing after being last seen in St Austell on June 1. He is alleged to have been killed between June 2 and July 7.

There are a handful of houses in the vicinity of the alleged murder scene. Many of them are secluded by tall trees. There is a saddlery and equestrian centre nearby too. Several homes also have small paddocks. One resident told us he had just come back from holiday so could not tell if police officers had come to his door or not.

He said: "I tend to walk the dog in those woods. This news is pretty big for Sticker as we're such a tiny village. I did see the police presence in Paramoor Woods when walking the dogs. But I don't want to speculate about any of it."

Marked and unmarked police vehicles are on scene

A couple in high viz jackets were jogging up the hill past the investigation scene with their dog when we were there. The locals said it was pretty shocking news for the village when it is such a peaceful and quiet area.

The woman told us: "It's a lovely part of the woodlands. The village is very peaceful. I think the ripples of this will be felt massively. Things like this are rare of course. I feel immensely sad for the person who died, their family and the family of the perpetrator. I love those woods and we come here with the dog. It just doesn't feel the same now."

Detective Superintendent Jon Bancroft, from Devon and Cornwall Police, told CornwallLive today that the area being searched is large but would not give a specific number of how many officers are involved in the search. He did say that Devon and Cornwall Police have received the assistance of experts who are directing the searches.

He added: "James Desborough has been charged with the murder of Daniel Coleman and will next appear before Truro Crown Court on August 8. It is imperative that we continue to respect the integrity of the formal court process and ensure the administration of justice is not compromised in any way.

"I hope members of public understand that, for this reason, we cannot comment further on the defendant or the investigation. I would also urge people not to speculate on this case, particularly on social media, and risk prejudicing these proceedings.

"Publication of material which does so could lead to a criminal offence under the Contempt of Court Act. Please remember that Daniel’s family are trying to come to terms with his death."

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "I can confirm that we currently have officers supporting Devon and Cornwall Police as part of a mutual aid agreement."

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