Police investigation launched after severed human foot is found by dog walker in Bath park

Avon and Somerset Police have launched an investigation after a severed foot was discovered in a park in the city of Bath.

Simon Clarke was out walking his cocker spaniel with his partner Nicky Jefferies at about 8am today (19 February) when they came across a woman whose dog had spotted the foot lying by a bush at the southern corner of Weston Park East.

The foot, which was covered in frost, was severed about four inches above the ankle, looked old and may have been dug up, Clarke told the Bath Chronicle. "It was just like CSI," he said. "There were a few of us out walking our dogs and then a lady came running over to find us and said there's a foot in the hedge.

"Her dog was sniffing at it then she realised what it was. We all had a look at it and it was indeed a foot."

Detectives have cordoned off the park and are carrying out a detailed search of the area as part of their investigation. Specialist crime scene investigators are also examining the scene. The body part has since been sent to forensics for formal identification.

Talking of the incident, detective Inspector Lorett Spierenburg said: "This investigation is at a very early stage and we are keeping an open mind as to how the foot came to be in the park. We are doing everything we can to identify the person whose foot it is and are liaising with the local hospital and reviewing missing persons as part of our investigation.

"I would like to reassure the local community that we have increased patrols in the area and anyone with any concerns is invited to speak to officers," he added.