CRAWLEY, Sussex– A grim discovery was made yesterday, Friday, June 6, near Gatwick Airport when a recovery driver found a dead body in the backseat of a white BMW that locals claim had been abandoned on an industrial estate for months.
The shocking find occurred on Whittle Way in Northgate, Crawley, approximately a mile from the major international airport. The vehicle, a white BMW, had reportedly been parked in the industrial estate since October of last year.
According to reports, the alarm was raised when a recovery driver arrived to tow the car, contacting police after discovering a possible body hidden under blankets on the back seat. Sussex Police were called to the scene around 10:30 AM on Friday.
Despite multiple reports from locals to Crawley Borough Council regarding the vehicle being a parking violation, the body remained undetected for an extended period.
Residents stated they had contacted the council several months ago, but only parking notices were issued. One local Facebook group member claimed to have reported it “about four months ago,” noting the council “only put stickers on it.” Another added, “Been there since before Christmas.”
Intriguingly, a council warning notice issued on May 19 indicated the car was “untaxed” and threatened towing within a week. However, a check of the government’s vehicle tax site reveals the car is actually taxed until January 1 next year and has a valid MOT until November 25. This discrepancy raises questions about the thoroughness of inspections.
While the exact duration the remains had been in the vehicle is still unclear, locals’ testimonies suggest it could have been as long as eight months. One resident recounted the recovery driver’s observation, stating he “saw a man on the back seats, with a blanket over the front two seats to build a ‘barrier’ across as he was lying on the backseat – most likely was sleeping in the back.”
Sussex Police have stated that the death is not being treated as suspicious, and enquiries are ongoing to identify the individual and establish the full circumstances.
The identity of the deceased has not yet been released.
This incident highlights a concerning lapse in detecting a prolonged abandonment, especially given its proximity to a major transport hub and repeated public notifications.
