ONE year on from the discovery of human remains in a ditch in Warfield, police are continuing to appeal for information after launching a murder investigation.
The body uncovered by workmen July 24, 2015 has been formally identified via DNA as Lithuanian man, Aivaras Danilevicius, and Thames Valley Police have urged anyone who knew him to come forward to help with their investigation into his death.
It's believed he was killed in late summer 2004 and his body dumped in Hawthorne Lane.
Photos released by Thames Valley Police
Aivaras lived predominantly in London and it's thought he had connections in the city's gay community after arriving in the UK in 1996.
His next of kin have now visited the UK and are said to be "desperate" to find out what happened.
Investigating officer, Det Sgt Paul Quinton from the Major Crime Unit said: “Our enquiries so far have led us to believe that Aivaras potentially had connections within the gay community in London. Therefore we are appealing to anyone, and in particular members of the gay community, to assist us in locating Aivaras’ friends and associates. This in turn may help us to understand better the circumstances surrounding his murder and potentially assist us in identifying the offender or offenders responsible for his death.
“I would like to speak to anyone who had any connection with Aivaras in the years before his death, or who knows anything about his associations in London, particularly within the gay community. It is believed he came to the UK in 1996 and remained predominantly in the London area.
“I appreciate it is a few years ago now, but any detail, no matter how insignificant it may seem to you, or any clue that will help us to trace people who knew Aivaras, could be hugely important to this investigation, so please get in touch.”
The case appeared on the BBC Crimewatch programme in December 2015 where the first photo of Aivaras was shown and an appeal launched to trace his friends, family or other connections.
Det Sgt Quinton said: “As I am sure anyone can imagine, Aivaras’ family are desperate to find out what happened to their loved one. If you know something or someone who could help, please do not hesitate to contact us.”
The cause of death remains uncertain but there were blunt force trauma injuries to the victim’s head that may have contributed to his death.
If you have any information about the incident please call the 24-hour Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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