Woman’s remains found in grave after forensic experts help probe (updated)

The remains of a woman initially reported to have been removed from her grave when it was found open on Tuesday have been located inside it, police said on Wednesday after an anthropologist and forensic examiner joined their investigations.

Police spokesman Christos Andreou told state broadcaster CyBC that investigations continue into the case.

Experts joined police at the Maronite cemetery on the Ayioi Trimithias to Anthoupolis road in the Nicosia district on Wednesday, a day after gravedigger at the cemetery had noticed that the grave was open and reported the issue.

After initial investigations fears were raised that her remains had been taken but following further checks on Wednesday, the body was found deeper down in the grave.

“It seems nothing was taken from the grave, the remains are still inside,” Andreou said.

Andreou said the grave had been dug by someone, however, and investigations continue to resolve the case.

He confirmed reports said that lime powder was found at the cemetery which could be linked to the case.

Andreou would not confirm reports, however, that the remains belonged to the mother of a prosecution witness in an ongoing court case, who is in the witness protection programme concerning the discovery of 16 kilos of cocaine and had been warned not to testify in the case.

“It is a very sensitive case, and we must be certain of what happened before we provide information to the public,” Andreou said.

He added that police had never mentioned anything regarding anyone in the witness protection programme.

“We must wait for the results of the investigations,” he said.

The investigations into the case had continued earlier on Wednesday, with an anthropologist and a forensic examiner at the scene.

Describing the case as “very serious”, Andreou said earlier officers were scouring the cemetery for evidence.

Some individuals have already given a statement to the police in relation to the case, giving authorities some direction for the investigations.