Police name man whose body was found in Ludlow woodland

Police have named a man who was found dead with severe burns to his body in woodland near Ludlow as Craig Anthony Mallard.

Mr Mallard, 36, of Henley Orchards, Ludlow, was formally identified by a family member yesterday.

A member of the public discovered Mr Mallard's body at 8.20am on Tuesday at the Deepwood area of Mortimer Forest in Burrington, near Ludlow.

A neighbour today said Mr Mallard was originally from the north-west of England and had been renting a room at a house on Henley Orchards.

An inquest was opened and adjourned today at Herefordshire Coroner's Court.

No date has yet been set for the hearing to take place.

West Mercia Police has confirmed that officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with Mr Mallard's death.

Margaret Oliver, coroner's officer for Herefordshire, said: "Mr Mallard's body was identified by a family member. His family are based in the Liverpool area.

"An inquest has been opened and adjourned."

Police yesterday said the man had suffered "severe burns" and that a pathologist would be compiling a report to help establish the exact cause of death.

Officers from Ludlow, Hereford and Leominster have been involved with the investigation as well as forensic experts.