A house on Douglas Road has been searched as part of a wider investigation into the alleged discovery of human remains
Neighbours living next to a property subject to an ongoing 12-day search by police investigating the alleged discovery of human remains are “thinking of moving away”. Children living on Douglas Road in Anfield are “frightened” according to local residents, as police and forensic teams continue their search.
Police stormed a house on Douglas Road on Thursday, January 8, and later confirmed that the raid was linked to a wider investigation after human remains were allegedly discovered at a flat in St Helens later that night. George Gordon, 65, of Gerards Court, St Helens, has been charged with preventing lawful and decent burial of a dead body and obstructing a coroner in the execution of their duty.
Herrison Romoli, 43, lives on Douglas Road with twin brother Herold and younger sister Sarah. The family has lived at the property since September 1, having moved from Italy.
Herrison said: “It’s been really complicated. Everyday [our sister] is asking what is going on, and about why the police have been here all these days.
“We’ve been thinking about moving away from here. We haven’t even told our father what is happening. He probably wouldn’t want his family living in such a dangerous place.
“We left Italy, which was relatively peaceful, and we thought this would be a good place to live, study, and everything, but we realised it wasn’t.”
Two police vans were stationed around the scene when the ECHO arrived yesterday (January 20). A mobile police station was parked directly outside the house, the other was on the corner of Edgworth Road, between the scene and the nearby Anfield Road Primary School.
Officers keep watch. Iulian Ilie, 31, lives behind the scene. He said: “We had no idea about what was going on. Police haven’t said anything to us.”
Back on Douglas Road, resident Alison Bohl, 58, said: “It’s intimidating. They’re not telling anyone anything. It’s a frightening thing to happen on your doorstep.”
Neighbour Andrew Robinson said: “They’re not telling us anything about what is happening. My kids are frightened. The amount of activity has been ridiculous.
“Yesterday there were two forensic vans, two mobile police stations, and people in white suits coming out the house. There’s been a private hire removal van posted at the end of the alley.
“It’s disconcerting. I get it’s an ongoing investigation, but they could knock on the door and let us know that there’s going to be lots of people coming and going. They need to tell us what’s going on.”
Detective Inspector Dave Jones said: “This is a complex investigation and as such we are carrying out several lines of enquiry.
“While I appreciate the local community may be worried by the continued presence of police officers, I want people to feel reassured that there is no cause for concern.
“It is vital that a full forensic search of Douglas Street takes place to establish if it is relevant to the investigation and due to the upkeep of the property that is taking longer than normal.
“I would encourage anyone with concerns or questions to speak to their local police officers.”
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