Natalia Doherty investigation: human remains found in Luton

Human remains have been discovered in a Luton garden by officers investigating the disappearance of a woman more than 12 years ago.
Natalia Doherty (right) and ex-husband GeraldNatalia Doherty (right) and ex-husband Gerald
Natalia Doherty (right) and ex-husband Gerald

Natalia Doherty vanished in 2003 after leaving her home in Eastbourne to stay with her ex-husband Gerald Doherty in Luton.

Early indications are that the remains are female, though they have not yet been formally identified.

Investigators from the Beds, Cambs and Herts major crime unit uncovered the skeletal remains as part of enquiries into 50-year-old Natalia’s disappearance.

A 66-year-old man from Luton previously arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and preventing a lawful burial has today arrested on suspicion of murder.

A 39-year-old man from Luton has also been arrested on suspicion of murder. Both are in police custody.

A 71-year-old man from Port Glasgow, Scotland, remains on bail on suspicion of assisting an offender and preventing a lawful burial.

Natalia’s family have been informed of the discovery and are being supported by police.

The last confirmed sighting of Natalia was on 15 April 2003 in Eastbourne, where she was then living, but it is known she was brought to stay with her ex-husband Gerald Doherty in the Regents Arms pub in Luton around this time.

Proof of life enquiries have since failed to show any sign she is alive and an investigation was launched by the tri-force Major Crime Unit in 2014.

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