A MAJOR police investigation launched when human remains were discovered at a remote cottage has finally drawn to a close.
The joint investigation by North Yorkshire Police and the Ministry of Defence Police has resulted in the remains of two World War II airmen, who crashed down on the North York Moors, being returned to their families.
The probe into the discovery of the human remains and military memorabilia near Chop Gate has concluded without any charges being brought against a 74-year-old man.
The investigation, launched on March 31, 2020, resulted in a large-scale operation involving experts from the RAF and the Army, as well as forensic archaeologists who were able to identify the remains as male and more than half-a-century old.
They were tragically killed when their Mosquito aircraft crashed near Bransdale, Helmsley, on 11 October 1944. They were on a training exercise from RAF Beccles in Suffolk to RAF Turnberry in Ayrshire.
Detective Inspector Carol Kirk, the North Yorkshire Police senior investigating officer, said: “At the beginning of this investigation, I don’t think any of us thought we’d be able to identify who the remains belonged to let alone return them to their families and be given military burials with the dignity and respect that they deserved.
“Even without being able to progress the investigation to court, we still believe this is a significant achievement.
“I have recently had contact with both families and they wish to pass on their thanks to all those involved in bringing Alfred and Eric home.”
One of the positive outcomes of the investigation was the identification of two Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve air crew from World War Two who were reunited with their families and given military burials on 12 August last year.
It can now be confirmed they were:
Pilot Officer Alfred Robert William Milne, aged 22 from Mitcham, Surrey.
And Warrant Officer Eric Alan Stubbs, also aged 22, from Guildford, Surrey.
DI Kirk added: “On behalf the investigation team, I thank North Yorkshire Police, Ministry of Defence Police, Army and RAF colleagues who have played a part in this highly complex and challenging operation.
“The commitment, diligence and professionalism from everyone involved has been outstanding.
“I also thank our local authority and community partners for their unstinting support throughout, and to the local residents whose daily lives were disrupted for many weeks while this activity was ongoing at the location.”
The search was carried out at the former home of a man convicted of harassing his neighbour by repeatedly exposing himself.
Military historian Ken Ward, who also performed sex acts in front of the woman, was jailed after of his nine-year campaign of a harassment came to a head.
The pervert was finally jailed for five years in 2011 but was released after serving about half of his sentence. Ward was banned from going anywhere near his victim.
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