A police-led search in Tilgate Forest, Pease Pottage, has found further human remains believed to be those of missing 42-year old Jean Leveque from Crawley. 

The further search, carried out on Tuesday (17 February) found the remains, consisting of a skull, torso, arms and right leg, together with some scraps of clothing, at 2pm at a point deeper in the forest from where the first two bones, both from a left leg, were found last month. 

Police were assisted by volunteers from Sussex Search and Rescue (SSAR) and Neighbourhood Watches.

Searches of the area have been continuing on a regular basis since the first two bones were found but no more are now planned as it is evident that the whole body has now been recovered. 

Although DNA analysis has still to take place to formally confirm the identity, and this may take some days, it is believed that they are from Jean, and his next of kin have been told of the further sad news. 

Police were informed on Wednesday (28 January) that the first two bones had been found near a pond in Parish Lane, Pease Pottage. A member of the public who was fishing found them on Monday (26 January).

The two bones were identified as Jean's as a result of analysis by a forensic archaeologist and by DNA comparison.  The area around the lake was searched to see if there were any more bones but none were found at that stage.

The death continues to be treated as unexplained rather than suspicious, and the Coroner has been informed. 

Extensive police enquiries had been carried out to try to find Jean, of Hawth Close, Crawley, including media appeals to which his sister contributed, after he was reported missing in May last year.