Detectives investigating the murder of a 59 year-old man in Essex have arrested a second man on suspicion of murder.

Human remains were discovered at Oakwood Pond in Harlow on New Year’s Eve.

They were later identified as Phillip Lewis.

One man has already been charged with murder and is due to stand trial on August 1.

A 23-year-old man was also arrested at the time on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder. He has been released on bail until later this month.

A 33 year-old man from Harlow was arrested on suspicion of murder on February 22 and has since been released on bail.

Since the investigation launched, officers have carried out hundreds of lines of enquiry including searches of Netteswell Pond in Harlow.

Over the last few weeks, specialist search officers have been carrying out enquiries at five ponds and reservoirs in the town.

This work has consisted of police search advisors surveying and searching the water. This is all in order to continue gathering evidence as part of this investigation.

Detective Superintendent Rob Kirby, head of major crime, said: “These continued efforts are all going towards our aim in finding out what happened to Phil and hopefully securing justice for his family, who have been suffering greatly these past couple of months.

“Residents in Harlow may have noticed police across various areas this week as we have carried out this work.

“We have a team working on this investigation and supporting Phil’s family through an extremely difficult time."

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