Moment police arrest killer who dumped human remains in ponds across a county

09 March 2024 , 18:11

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Moment police arrest killer who dumped human remains in ponds across a county

Footage shows the moment police swooped on a man who thought he had got away with murder after dumping his victim's remains in ponds.

Lee Clarke was nicked after the murder of pal Phillip Lewis, who he then tried to dispose of in several locations. Detectives launched a probe after partial remains were found in a pond in Harlow, Essex, by a member of the public in December 2022.

It's thought the dad, known as Scottish Phil, was killed on November 12. Despite being found guilty of the victim's murder by a jury at Chelmsford Crown Court this week, police said they were still uncertain as to what Clarke's motive was for killing his friend.

Over the course of the trial, the jury heard details of how specialist officers were deployed following the grim discovery, only to find further remains belonging to Mr Lewis in several other locations.

Clarke was arrested in January 4 last year at his home in Harlow. Bodycam footage shows the moment he was apprehended, looking confused and shocked. He appears to mouth something as an officer is understood to read his rights to him.

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caption: Moment police arrest killer who dumped human remains in ponds across Essex

Hours before, he was seen moving items out of his home. During a subsequent raid on the property following his arrest, police found a number of power tools and blood marks across the property. Throughout the trial, Clarke attempted to claim that the blood located in his flat, was due to a broken mirror which the victim had helped him clear up, Essex Live reports.

Detective Superintendent Rob Kirby from Essex Police said "This trial has proven Lee Clarke to be a killer and a coward. Despite being arrested over a year ago, Clarke has refused to tell anyone why he killed Phil. He has also refused to disclose where he disposed of the rest of Phil's body, which has added to the suffering inflicted on Phil's family."

Phillip Lewis, whose remains were found in Oakwood Pond, Harlow, on New Year’s Eve (Essex Police)

"This was a huge investigation for Essex Police and it would not have been possible without the support from the community in Harlow. Residents in Harlow were patient and compassionate, whilst our officers carried out enquiries. I can confidentially say that without the support from Harlow, assisting our hard-working officers, this result would not have been possible."

Clarke was found unanimously guilty of murder on Friday following a four-week trial. He will be sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on Tuesday (March 12).

Susie Beever