Lee Clark, 52, charged with murder of Philip Lewis, 59, found dead in Harlow pond on New Year’s Eve

A SUSPECT has been charged with the murder of a 59-year-old man found dead in a pond on New Year's Eve.

Police were scrambled to Oakwood Pond in Harlow, Essex, following reports of a "suspicious object" on the water.

Tragically they discovered the remains of Phillip Lewis, who lived in the area.

Police said at the time his remains were likely to have been there for "several weeks".

Lee Clark, 52, has now been charged with murder and will appear at Colchester Magistrates' Court tomorrow.

A 23-year-old man arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder has been bailed until March.

Police are asking anyone who came into contact with Philip since November 1 to get in touch.

They are also appealing to anyone who may have seen something "suspicious" in the area in the last two months to call them.

Detective Superintendent Rob Kirby, head of Essex major crime, said: “Quite clearly this is a significant stage in the investigation into the death of Phillip Lewis.

“Over the last eight days, we have had a team of dedicated detectives and forensic experts who have pieced together what we believe to be the circumstances around Phillip’s death.

“Of course, that work does not stop at the point of charge and in many ways, this is still the beginning of complex investigation into the death of a 59-year-old man who was a son and a friend.

“One element of that work continues today as, alongside our partners, we continue to drain Oakwood Pond to allow for further investigation of the area to take place.

“This is being done in the most environmentally friendly way possible and I’d like to pass on my thanks to partners for helping to facilitate this.”

Anyone with information or footage relating to the incident is urged to call the dedicated hotline on 0800 051 4526.