DETECTIVES believe “bonfire body” victim David Langdon was trying to get a lift to mainland Europe in the days before he died.

Truck stops and long-haul lay-bys are the latest focus of Operation Facility, the probe in Mr Langdon’s death.

The badly burned body of 40- year-old Mr Langdon was found in the remains of a bonfire at his home near Much Dewchurch last month. Facility, one of the biggest police operations under way in Herefordshire over recent years, is waiting on the result of highly detailed forensic tests to try to determine when and how Mr Langdon died.

Meanwhile, the work is about establishing and confirming his last movements.

Detectives now have evidence that Mr Langdon may have been looking to hitch a ride to the continent and could even have talked this over with long-haul drivers who use the truck stop at Ross-on- Wye.

Peter Butcher, of Herefordshire Police, said the inquiry had been extended to the haulage industry across the country in a bid to find drivers Mr Langdon might have talked to.

The body of Mr Langdon was found after a 999 call to police on Thursday, August 14. He had last been seen alive on August 7.

Detectives still need to confirm any sightings of Mr Langdon after that date, particularly on Friday, August 8.

Four people questioned over Mr Langdon’s death remain on police bail.

The death is being investigated as unexplained.