Somerset's top stories direct to your inbox Join for free Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

The woman who found what was described by police as a "male body part" on a Somerset beach has said it appeared to be intact male genitals.

Julie Edwards, who lives in Brean, came across the ‘body part’ while walking her dog on Monday, September 25.

A spokeswoman for Avon and Somerset Constabulary said on Friday (September 29) police were yet to conclusively identify the object and were assisting the coroner with enquiries.

A week after making the find, Ms Edwards said: “My dog, who is a Basset Hound called Molly, found the body part.

"I could see she was about to roll something around. It is usually maggots or birds but I stopped her and saw it wasn't that at all.

“It definitely looked human to me. I think it was an intact penis and male testicles.

"It was upsetting more later on when you actually think that's it could be someone's relative.”

Soon after Ms Edwards had come across the body part she had got in touch with a beach warden who subsequently reported the item to the police.

Police originally said what was thought to be a male body part was found on Brean Beach on September 25.

A police statement on Tuesday (September 26) said: “We were called to Warren Road in Brean at 6.40pm on Monday after an item, possibly remains, were found washed up on the beach.

"The matter has been referred to the coroner and we are carrying out enquiries on behalf of the coroner to determine the nature of the item.”

On Friday (September 29), a police spokeswoman said: “It was first reported to us as a body part, but investigations have revealed that it might not be a human body part.

"It could be another animal, or even a mineral. It will take time to figure out what it is exactly.”

Police had nothing to add on Monday (October 2).

Locals have been reacting to news of the discovery.

One business owner, who wished not to be named, said the news was “awful” and thoughts were with the people involved.

Another anonymous local business owner said: “We do get bits and pieces washed up (on Brean beach) like Second World War bombs so it’s not a massive shock.”

“We just carry on with our day-to-day business”, said one local resident.

In 2016, three human feet were found on separate occasions in Bath.

It was later determined that they were anatomical specimens probably used in teaching.

Did you see anything? Were you there? Let us know. Get in touch using james.wood@westgaz.co.uk or call 07870 505 906.