UK NEWS
HUSBAND ARRESTED AS BBC MAKE-UP ARTIST'S BODY FOUND
HIGH-FLIER: Diane had not been seen since January
By John Chapman & Cyril Dixon
THE HUSBAND of missing BBC make-up artist Diane Chenery Wickens was arrested last night after a body was found in woodland near their home.
Self-styled spiritualist and medium David Chenery Wickens, 51, was led away in handcuffs from the country cottage they shared.
Police believe the remains, found alongside a lane near Little Horsted, East Sussex, may be 48-year-old Mrs Chenery Wickens.
The popular high-flier, who had worked on hit dramas including Casualty and Pride And Prejudice and had won an Emmy award, was reported missing four months ago.
Her estranged husband – with whom she continued to live – was arrested at the time on suspicion of murder but bailed pending further inquiries.
Last night three detectives arrived in two cars at the £600,000 Hazelden Cottage in Duddeswell, Uckfield, and took him to an undisclosed police station.
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Police forensic officers at the scene in Little Horsted, Sussex
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Earlier, after news of the grim discovery emerged, Mr Chenery Wickens looked stunned when told of the development.
He said: “No one’s informed me of this. The police have certainly not been in contact. I am not going to say anything else until I hear what’s going on.”
Sussex Police had warned other members of the missing woman’s family that they had found a body that might be hers.
It was uncovered by a woman walking her dog at about 10am yesterday. The site is about six miles from Hazelden Cottage and fewer than two miles from Isfield station, where Mr Chenery Wickens was a volunteer worker on a miniature railway line.
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We are very anxious to speak to anyone who has a good knowledge of this location, those who use the lane regularly or live locally.
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Police said the body, which was clothed and female, was concealed in undergrowth about 10 yards from the roadway. It was understood to have been severely decomposed and placed in what appeared to be a shallow grave.
Detective Chief Inspector Steve Johns, who is leading the investigation, said: “Following a call from a woman who was walking her dog in the lane this morning, police attended and found the body of a decomposed female.
“There was some clothing on her body but so far we have been unable to make a formal identification. The family of Diane Chenery Wickens have been made aware that we have discovered a body in this location.
“However, we have not formally linked the investigation into her disappearance and the discovery of this body. That said, we are not currently pursuing any other lines of inquiry. In searching for Mrs Chenery Wickens’ body, this was a location we had considered, but never actually searched.”
Forensic experts were due to spend last night examining the scene and body. The lane was sealed off at both ends.
DCI Johns added: “We are very anxious to speak to anyone who has a good knowledge of this location, those who use the lane regularly or live locally.”
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David Chenery Wickens is led away from his home in handcuffs
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Mrs Chenery Wickens won an Emmy for Arabian Nights eight years ago, and was nominated for a Bafta for Dead Ringers.
Her husband, who calls himself “The Reverend” and “Cosmic Dave” and has been a medium for celebrities including model Lisa B, told police he last saw Mrs Chenery Wickens in Shepherds Bush, West London, last January.
He said she was on her way to a meeting at BBC Television Centre and they had agreed to meet up again later at a hairdresser’s, where she had an appointment.
But Mrs Chenery Wickens failed to turn up for the appointment and has not been seen or heard from since. Her husband reported her missing that night and her disappearance has been described by friends and family as out of character and worrying.
Her passport and driving licence were found at her home, along with other personal belongings. Police analysed hours of CCTV footage but said none of it featured Mrs Chenery Wickens. They arrested her husband on suspicion of her murder but bailed him until last month, when his bail was extended.
After the disappearance, it emerged that Mr Chenery Wickens, an ex-trucker, had continued to live with his wife despite separating several years ago. He allegedly wanted to sell up and move in with new girlfriend Kerry Lippett but his wife was said to be reluctant to leave.
Based on “specific information”, search teams have examined sites in the 6,500-acre Ashdown Forest on the border of East Sussex and Kent. Investigating officers were set to stay at the scene overnight.
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