Search to identify body on Queen's retreat

Queen Elizabeth's Sandringham House in eastern England. Photo / AP

Police have launched a murder inquiry after a woman's body was discovered in woodland just 1.5km from the entrance to Sandringham House in Norfolk, where the Queen and Prince Philip are staying.

Police said yesterday the body had been there for up to four months, and detectives are examining cold case files nationally in an effort to identify her.

Detective Chief Inspector Jes Fry of Norfolk Constabulary would not comment on the age of the woman, or whether the body had been found clothed. "How far back this investigation goes depends on what the experts say. We are looking at missing persons reports nationwide as well as cases we have been working on more locally for potential links."

The body was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn where an autopsy was performed yesterday.

It was discovered by a dog walker about 3km west of the village of Anmer on the Sandringham Estate.

"It is the body of a female but I cannot comment on her age. I cannot confirm whether she was clothed because, at the moment, only my staff, the person who found the body and the person or people who put it there know that, and I would like it to stay that way."

Fry said it was not yet clear if the woman was killed at the scene or taken there after death, but a spokesman for Norfolk Police said it was "highly unlikely" the death was through natural causes.

Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex, are also staying at Sandringham. The Queen was photographed out horse riding on Tuesday, the day after the body was found.

- INDEPENDENT