Police have launched an urgent forensic operation after residents living near the edge of Westwood Forest reported seeing what appeared to be a human hand protruding from the base of a tree, partially concealed by leaves and damp soil.
Officers arrived within minutes, sealed off the area, and confirmed the presence of human remains — triggering immediate DNA testing that has now produced shocking results.
The Discovery That Stopped the Search Cold
According to eyewitnesses, the hand was first noticed just after dawn by a dog walker who saw fingers emerging from the ground near the roots of an old oak tree.
“It didn’t look like debris,” the witness said. “It looked… intentional.”
Police quickly established a perimeter and called in forensic specialists. Initial examination suggested the remains had been deliberately concealed, with soil and forest matter layered unnaturally around the base of the tree.
DNA Results Confirm a Devastating Link
Within hours, investigators confirmed that DNA extracted from the remains matched that of missing runner Eliza Hart, who vanished weeks earlier under mysterious circumstances.
A senior forensic officer described the moment the results came back:
“The match was immediate.
There was no ambiguity.”
The discovery marks the first physical biological evidence directly connecting Eliza to a specific location since her disappearance.
Why Investigators Are Alarmed
What has unsettled detectives is not only the location, but the condition and placement of the remains:
-
The hand was positioned upright, not scattered
-
There were no animal bite marks
-
The surrounding soil showed signs of manual disturbance, not natural erosion
-
The burial depth was shallow, suggesting haste or intention to be discovered
Experts say the scene does not resemble an accidental death or wildlife activity.
“This looks staged,” one investigator said quietly.
Immediate Lockdown of Westwood Forest
Authorities have now closed the entire forest, cancelling all public access. Ground-penetrating radar, cadaver dogs, and excavation teams have been deployed to search for additional remains.
Police have also begun re-examining previous search routes, acknowledging that this area was passed through multiple times without detection.
What Happens Next
While formal identification is pending, investigators say the discovery fundamentally changes the case from a missing-person search to a full-scale homicide investigation.
Family members have been notified and are being supported by specialist officers.
Police are urging anyone who visited Westwood Forest in recent days to come forward, particularly those who noticed disturbed ground, unusual behavior, or unfamiliar vehicles.
A full press briefing is expected later today.
