Detectives are still waiting to find out if bones discovered in Ramsey are the remains of Andrew Bedford, who they believe was murdered 25 years ago.

An extensive search at a site off Stocking Fen Road resulted in the gruesome find, revealed last week, after the cold case of Mr Bedford’s disappearance was reopened by the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Herfordshire Major Crime Unit on April 10.

Meanwhile, a man who was arrested on Wednesday (June 17) on suspicion of conspiracy to murder has been released on police bail.

The 64-year-old, from Ramsey, was taken to a police station and questioned before being released on conditional bail to return on July 29.

Police have remained convinced that Mr Bedford was shot at a business called Mongrel Cars. The firm no longer exists, but in 1990 it operated out of an industrial unit at Factory Bank, off Great Whyte in Ramsey, not far from the search site where Mr Bedford’s body is believed to have been dumped.

Senior investigating officer for Operation Ongar, DCI Martin Brunning, said the bones would undergo “very sensitive and accurate forensic analysis”.

He was unable to confirm that the remains were those of Mr Bedford, or that there were any signs of trauma or a gunshot wound.

DCI Brunning added: “An expert in forensic anthropology has assisted the investigation and the bones are now subject to DNA testing and much more intrusive forensic analysis. These processes have evolved significantly over the past 25 years.”

Mr Bedford has a daughter, Lesley, 29, from whom it should be possible to get a familial DNA match to confirm whether the bone fragments belong to her father. Analysis of any other DNA fragments found on the remains could also help police with their inquiries.

DCI Brunning said he had received a good response from the public since the case was reopened, but says he still believes the answer lies within the Ramsey community.

“I am confident that local people have the additional information we need. We’re asking them to forget any loyalties or relationships and come forward with what they know. The time is now. The family has had 25 years of not knowing where Andrew is and they deserve an answer.

“We are engaging heavily with the local community. We have a mobile police station in the town, as well as detectives and uniformed officers. Detectives will be speaking to a number of people and they will be visible at doors.”

Mr Bedford has three siblings: sister Linda Adley, 45, Carole Bodle, 50, and brother Barry Bedford. DCI Brunning held a family meeting on June 17 at police HQ in Huntingdon to update them on latest developments, which he described as “emotional”.

Anyone with information should contact the Major Crime Unit on 01480 422791, email operation.ongar@cambs.pnn.police.uk, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.