Officers continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the murder of a male whose body was discovered in a well in Warlingham.

Police were called after workmen discovered the body in a well outside an address in Audley Drive, Warlingham at around 13:50hrs on Friday15th November.

Specialist officers, including Metropolitan Police divers, attended the scene and recovered the body.

A post mortem examination which took place on Sunday, 17th November did not provide a cause of death and further tests are being conducted. However, the examination did reveal that the body - confirmed to be of a white male - has sustained injuries consistent with an assault prior to being placed in the well.

It has also been established that the body was bound up before being placed in the well by a third party. Detectives now believe the body had been in the well for around two years.

Detective Chief Inspector Cliff Lyons, who leads the investigation, revealed:

"Our enquiries continue to try and establish the identity of this male. These enquiries have included reviewing missing person reports but this process may take some time.

"I would like to thank the public for their positive response to our appeals so far and specifically those in the local community who have been supportive throughout the disruption caused by police and media in their neighbourhood.

"Given the complex nature of this investigation, it is likely that forensic work at the property will continue for a further month as we attempt to secure all available evidence."

The investigation has so far seen the well where the body was found partly demolished and water from within the well taken for forensic examination. Forensic work will continue on the well, the house and outbuildings at the property to establish as much evidence as possible.

DCI Lyons added: "While our work continues to establish the facts of how this male came to sustain his injuries and his body end up in the well, our focus is also on finding out his identity.

"This is someone's son and my team owe it to him and his family to find out the truth and bring those who committed this atrocious act to justice."

Officers arrested seven men, aged between 21 and 27, on suspicion of murder - they were interviewed and subsequently released on bail until a date in late December.

Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8721 4961 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.