POLICE are remaining tight-lipped about why they are carrying out searches of woodland off a country lane near Rainford.

Specialist police officers have been at the land off Intake Lane, Bickerstaffe, West Lancashire for nearly a week.

A blue forensic tent was set up at the scene and an extensive area of woodland was sealed off, where digging and searches appear to have taken place.

Officers have been seen guarding the entrance to the woodland.

Merseyside Police has confirmed they are there as part of an “ongoing investigation”.

However, officers are remaining tight-lipped, so far refusing to answer any further questions about their presence and what the investigation relates to.

Numerous readers from Rainford have contacted the Star to enquire about the reasons for the police presence.

St Helens Star:

A blue forensic tent could be seen from the road

The country lane, which leads off the Rainford Bypass, is a familiar route for cyclists and walkers. It links the villages of Rainford and Bickerstaffe and is on the border of Merseyside and Lancashire.

In a statement the force said: “Merseyside Police can confirm that specialist officers are currently carrying out a search in woodland, off Intake Lane in Bickerstaffe, Lancashire, as part of an ongoing investigation.”

St Helens Star:

It is understood the Bickerstaffe area falls under West Lancashire and is under the jurisdiction of Lancashire Police.

The fact it is Merseyside Police leading the investigation indicates the matter does relate to a case in the region.