Front page excerpt from the Appletreewick Daily Register

Feb 10, 2007 15:28

Mangled Corpse Shocks Local Man and Dog

Troller's Gill was the site of a gruesome discovery by Rodney Lackney (53) and his Springer spaniel, Lady, as they were out walking this morning. They found the dead body of a woman near the middle of the ravine, at the mouth of one of the small caves. “We don't usually walk to Troller's Gill this time of year, but Lady was up for it and the day was clear. Lady must have known straight off. She started whining and acting nervous the moment we entered the ravine and she was terribly upset when we came upon the body. It was horrible lying out there, not hidden by anything, clothes all torn to shreds and skin practically ripped off. I couldn't tell if it was a man or woman at first. Lady wouldn't go near it at all.”

Mr. Lackney exited Troller's Gill and contacted the Appletreewick police on his mobile, and they arrived on the scene shortly after. The police state that the body is that of an unidentified woman of indeterminate age between 30 and 60, with no clear identifying marks, and that her body was in the ravine for several days at the least. “At present, we do not have any evidence of foul play, and signs point to a large animal attack, perhaps a dog or a large cat escaped from someone's private zoo. We suggest that all persons walking out take a stick with them to ward off dogs, and try to avoid going about alone while we investigate the matter.”

Mr. Lackney, however, states “I've never seen a dog do damage like that before. Her chest was ripped open, and her skin was torn clear off. My neighbours are saying that it's the barquest, but I don't know about that.” Rumour has it that the woman was gagged with a large wad of paper, suggesting human involvement. The possibility of a large ravening beast escaped in the area is terrifying enough, but the curious reticence of the police regarding a possible vicious crime has the residents of Appletreewick, Howgill and Skyreholme suspicious and fearful.

The police, however, state that the woman was not gagged with paper, but that there were indeed torn sheets of paper found under the body, and that much of the damage to the corpse must have taken place after death and possibly by scavenging animals. They are withholding further information as their investigation proceeds, and until they have identified the woman. Anyone with possible news regarding her identity are asked to contact them. “There's nothing to be worried about. This looks like a terrible accident, not a crime. We'll know more when the coroner's report comes back, but until then just avoid walking out alone outside of town, make sure your rubbish is secured, and keep an eye on the children while they are outside. An animal is unlikely to come near the houses, but it's best to be safe.”
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