DETECTIVES from Operation Athena, the murder investigation into the body parts found in Hertfordshire and Leicestershire, have released more information and an image, to try and help assist them identify the victim.Forensic tests of the body parts contin

DETECTIVES from Operation Athena, the murder investigation into the body parts found in Hertfordshire and Leicestershire, have released more information and an image, to try and help assist them identify the victim.

Forensic tests of the body parts continue, but police have confirmed that the victim, who officers are working tirelessly to identify, had dark hair. Experts have also been able to provide more information about his height, which has been narrowed down to between 5ft 8ins and 5ft 10ins tall. He was also described as having a stocky build but may have been overweight.

Examinations by an anthropologist have also revealed he suffered a fracture to his collarbone which would have required hospital treatment. The fracture was not believed to be a recent injury.

Detectives have also released an image of a replica of the green suitcase (pictured) in which the torso was found last Saturday in Gore Lane, near Standon. The suitcase was from the same 'Gullivers' range as the holdall that contained the left leg, the first discovery, by a lay-by on the A507 between Baldock and Cottered, on Sunday, March 22.

The 'Gullivers' range is believed to have been sold through 'Mister Minit' key cutting and shoe repair outlets before they were taken over by the 'Timpsons' chain. The bags come in a set of six and may have been purchased as long as six to eight years ago.

Both bags had attached a solid brass padlock that was not part of the original set.

DCI Michael Hanlon from the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, who is leading the murder investigation, said: "We are working tirelessly to identify the victim of this terrible crime, and have widened our search to look at all missing persons in the country.

"Although we are methodically working through these reports, it may be that our victim hasn't been reported as missing so I would strongly urge anyone who believes they know who this victim is, based on the detailed description we have given, to contact police immediately.

"Identifying the victim to this horrendous crime will prove a major development in our investigation so it is vital that anyone who has information should make contact. You can give information in the strictest of confidence via the incident room 01707 354432."

Det Supt Julia McKechnie who is leading the investigation in Leicestershire Constabulary said: "It is vitally important that we identify this victim. We've now built up a detailed description of the individual and someone must know who he is. If you have any information, however small you think it might be, I would ask that you call police so we can investigate."

Police are still hoping to release a facial reconstruction of the victim on Monday.