ESSEX Police can now confirm human remains found at Oakwood Pond in Harlow at the weekend belong to 59 year-old Phillip Lewis.

Phillip was from Harlow and known to his friends as ‘Scottish Phil’.

Yesterday evening, detectives investigating Phil’s murder arrested two men.

A 52 year-old has been arrested on suspicion of murder, while a 23 year-old has been arrested on suspicion conspiracy to commit murder.

The men, who are both from Harlow, are currently in custody.

Detective Superintendent Rob Kirby, Head of Major Crime, said: “Phil lived in Harlow for many years and had a wide circle of friends who he socialised with.

“I want to extend my condolences to Phil’s friends and family and re-iterate my commitment to them that we will work relentlessly to bring those responsible for his murder to justice.

“This has been a fast-paced investigation and we have worked quickly to make arrests, but our work does not stop there.

“Specialist officers are continuing to search the area around the pond and work to drain it is ongoing.

“This is really important to identify potentially vital evidence.

“A team of dedicated specialist detectives are continuing to work around the clock give Phil’s friends and families the answers they need about what happened to him and why.”

Det Supt Kirby added we need the public’s help: “I want to thank the community here in Harlow for their support and understanding.

“I know this investigation has caused shock and concern, but we don’t believe there is an ongoing risk to the wider public.

“You will continue to see a visible police presence in the area and if you have any information or concerns please come and speak to one of our officers.

“In particular, we need people living in the area around the pond to check their CCTV and doorbell footage going back to the beginning of November.

“We also want anyone who came into contact with Phil since 1 November, and any friends or acquaintances, to come forward.

“And anyone who regularly visits the pond and the surrounding area who has seen anything suspicious in the last two months.

“Any information you have, no matter how insignificant you believe it is, could be vital for our investigation”.

A dedicated phone line has been set up specifically for this investigation and can be reached on 0800 051 4526.

A Major Incident Public Portal has also been set up here as a way for the public to submit information: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/4201020122Q39-PO1

If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our website reporting services.

Alternatively you can call us on 101.

In an emergency always call 999.

If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.

Please quote incident 582 of 31 December when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible.