Inquest date over man whose remains were found by M54 in Shropshire

The inquest into the death of Surjit Takhar will take place at Shirehall in Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, on February 17.

Mr Takhar was 37 when he was reported missing from his home on October 8, 2008.

He was last seen by his family on September 29, 2008.

Mr Takhar's remains were discovered by workers on August 20 last year at the bottom of an embankment, next to the slip road at Junction 4 of the M54 for Shifnal and Priorslee, Telford. Workmen found a skull. Other skeletal remains were discovered as further searches were carried out.

Mr Takhar was formally identified on January 14.

When Mr Takhar's skull was found the M54 slip road was closed for 24 hours while West Mercia Police carried out investigations at the site. Officers then closed the slip road again in September for several days, while officers carried out further investigations.

It was during this search further human remains were discovered. The skull was found about 50 yards from the slip road, down the steep bank and in heavy undergrowth.

During the police investigations officers said they cleared away a large amount of the undergrowth, which is how they discovered the rest of Mr Takhar's remains.

In October police released new information about clothing, which was also found at the scene.

At the opening of the inquest in Shrewsbury on September 7, Shropshire coroner John Ellery said the cause of death was not found during a post mortem on the remains.

Anyone who may have any information at all which may assist with the police investigation is urged to contact officers at the West Mercia Major Investigation Room at Telford by calling 101.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org