No human remains found in Tunbridge Wells garden search

Detectives have not found any human remains in the gardens of a house following a detailed forensic examination, police said.

Officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate began searching the gardens of a three-bedroom semi-detached property in Rankine Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, yesterday after receiving intelligence relating to a possible crime committed in the late 1950s in which a young woman died.

Officers searching the gardens received specialist assistance from the Home Office Scientific Development Branch and from forensic scientists working within the Directorate.

Detective Inspector Lee Whitehead, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "The search of the garden in Rankine Road has been completed and no human remains have been found.

"I would very much like to thank the local residents from Rankine Road and the surrounding area for their co-operation and patience while we carried out this essential investigative work."

The family who now live at the property moved out while the work took place.

A Kent Police spokeswoman said it was important to stress that they were not connected to the investigation.

PA