Farm fire death still a mystery (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Farm fire death still a mystery

MYSTERY still surrounds the identity of a charred body found at a farm just outside Swindon.

The body was found during the early hours of Friday morning at Dudgemore Farm at Hayes Knoll near Purton Stoke on Friday.

Police have launched an investigation, but last night a spokesman said no more details would be revealed or a name released at that time.

The discovery was made after firefighters were called to the farm shortly after 4am on Friday after smoke had been spotted billowing from an outhouse.

On Saturday the Evening Advertiser reported that the farm is believed to be occupied by brothers Colin and Brian Simpkins.

Previously, police spokesman Graham Chivers said: "At 4.35am we were alerted to a farm fire at Hayes Knoll in Purton Stoke.

"At this stage of our enquiries it is not possible to say if there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding the fire or the death. Her Majesty's coroner has been informed."

Steve Cleverly, landlord of The Bell Inn a 10-minute walk from the farm said: "All we have heard it that there was a fire and a body has been found. It's all been very hush hush."

Steve Ockwell, 37, who grew up in the village, said: "It's tends to be quiet around here you don't here about much trouble in Purton Stoke."

In another incident, officers from British Transport Police were called to the main railway line between Swindon and Reading just north of Uffington, near Shriven-ham, on Saturday, where a body of a man was found on the tracks.

Train services to and from Swindon were delayed for up to an hour while officers removed the body. It is understood that the body was spotted by the driver of the 9.15am Paddington to Pembroke train and officers from British Transport Police were called to the scene.

The dead man has not yet been identified but it is understood the man is local to the Uffington area.

Sgt Huw Jones, spokesman for British Transport Police said: "As with all such incidents like this delays are inevitable, but we are not treating this incident as suspicious."

The British Transport Police are urging anyone with information to call them on 0800 40 50 40.