A WOMAN from Worcester has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

The 36-year-old woman, and a man from Gloucester, 50, have been arrested by Lancashire police on suspicion of the murder of Darren Carley, aged 24, who was identified 16 years after his remains were discovered.

Darren Carley’s bones were discovered on farmland in Charnock Richard, near Chorley in Lancashire, in July 2002 after he went missing from his home in Swindon in January 2002.

The discovery of the body had sparked a major murder investigation but Mr Carley's identity was not revealed until advances in DNA techniques enabled police to identify him.

A fresh appeal for information about the murder was launched after the identification.

Detective chief inspector, Geoff Hurst of Lancashire's force major investigation team, said: "I'd like to thank those people who have already come forward with information.

"While these arrests mark a significant point in our investigation, I'd like to reiterate that our inquiries are ongoing. If you have any information at all about Darren, or his final movements, please let us know.

"Any information you have could be vital to our investigation and establishing exactly what happened to Darren."

Anyone with information should contact 101 and ask for Lancashire Police and quote log number 456 of October 4 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.