Mystery remains over death of man ‘murdered by couple’ whose severed body parts were found strewn across seaside town

MYSTERY remains over the death of a man whose severed body parts were found strewn across a seaside town, an inquest heard.

Simon Shotton was allegedly murdered by couple Debbie Ann Pereira, 38, and 48-year-old Benjamin Lee Atkins in Bournemouth.

A probe was launched after a member of the public discovered human legs in a "package" on a cliffside path.

Officers then discovered further remains belonging to 49-year-old Simon inside his home.

An inquest today heard how his cause of death is still not known following a post mortem.

But coroner's officer Grace Monroe confirmed Simon was identified using DNA testing.

The full inquest was adjourned while the criminal probe into his death remains ongoing.

The first set of remains were discovered on the Manor Steps Zig Zag, a path leading to the beach, at around midday on August 26.

Forensic testing managed to establish the human legs belonged to Simon.

From there, police went to his home in Bournemouth and discovered further body parts.

Pereira and Atkins have denied murder, preventing the burial of a corpse and obstructing a coroner in the execution of his duty.

The pair are due to stand trial in April at Winchester Crown Court.