Harry Bartlett went missing in 2004 aged 58

by Joe Walker

Human bones found beneath bushes near railway tracks are those of missing dad Harry Bartlett.

The 58-year-old (pictured above) disappeared without trace in November 2004 from his home in Ellis Way, Broomfield, in Herne Bay.

A police helicopter and the coastguard were called in to help search for the builder, but his whereabouts remained a mystery until this week.

His remains were discovered on Monday by a Network Rail worker clearing undergrowth by the side of the tracks near Blacksole Bridge bridge in Margate Road.

It is believed he was initially identified by distinctive clothes and a set of keys found at the scene.

Police tent where bones were found beside Herne Bay railway tracks

A post-mortem was carried out by a Home Office pathologist on Tuesday, but the cause of Mr Bartlett’s death was ruled “indeterminable”.

The dad-of-two was feared to have been depressed when he disappeared, sparking concerns for his safety.

He did not take any belongings with him and appeared to leave his bank account untouched.

Speaking three weeks after he went missing, a police spokesman said: “We have exhausted almost all active lines of inquiry in relation to Mr Bartlett’s disappearance without success."

Because of legal restrictions in the UK, he was only recently declared dead – seven years after he disappeared.

Mr Bartlett – who worked on the construction of the QEII Bridge – was a regular at the Rising Sun in Beltinge and often played cribbage at the pub.

Landlord and good friend Carl Wright, who had known him since 1976, was stunned by the tragic news.

He said: “I can’t believe it. I always thought he would just turn up one day.

“The strangest thing for me is thinking how many times I’ve driven over that bridge in the last seven years, not knowing he was only 40 yards away. It’s quite chilling.

“Harry was a really down-to-earth guy and so easy going. He wouldn’t hurt a fly.

“He had a lovely family and it was always a mystery why he disappeared and where he had gone.”

Material is taken away from the spot where the bones were found

British Transport Police spokesman Gavin Brown said: “Detectives investigating the discovery of human remains close to a railway line in Herne Bay now believe they are those of a man from Herne Bay who was reported missing in 2004, aged 58.

“This follows inquiries made at the scene and checks on details of missing people from the local area.

“Investigators are speaking with the man’s family and are working to formally identify the man.

“A post-mortem was not able to shed any initial light on the possible cause of death.”