Police boss apologises for bizarre ‘dead bodies in woods’ claim

LocalPolitics
26 Jul 2025 • 2:03 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez apologised for incorrectly claiming multiple human remains were found in woodland near St Austell.
  • Ms Hernandez had told a panel meeting that 'dead bodies' were discovered in woodland at Sticker, where a murder investigation is ongoing.
  • Devon and Cornwall Police clarified that only the body of 43-year-old Daniel Coleman has been recovered from that specific woodland, with no other remains found there.
  • James Desborough, 39, is accused of murdering Mr Coleman and is due to appear at Truro Crown Court next month.
  • Police confirmed they are conducting three separate, unlinked murder investigations in Cornwall, including the Sticker case, another woodland discovery, and a fatal fire in Newquay.

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