Tragedy as human remains found in search for missing Polish woman, 27, who vanished in Leicester 19 years ago
Police investigating the disappearance of a Polish mother 19 years ago discovered human remains in bushland.
Malgorzata Wnuczek disappeared in May 2006 while returning home from her job at a logistics company in Leicester.
The 27-year-old was seen taking a bushwhack from his workplace in Sunningdale Road to the city centre, only to disappear without a trace.
Police said his last contact with his family, as he was affectionately called Gosia, was via text message on May 29, 2006.
He leaves behind a daughter, Ola, who was three at the time of his disappearance.
Today, Leicestershire police announced that officers had discovered human remains at a site off the major central road – close to Leicester City’s stadium.
Officers had begun a renewed search for MS Wnuczek on 30 September following a tip from ‘colleagues in Poland’, with efforts focusing on digging through the bush.
In a statement released following the Grim Find, the Force said: ‘It is currently unknown whether there are remains of MS Wnuczek and whether there will be further forensic testing to establish the identity of the person in question.
‘Although ruins have been found, exploration of the site continues.’
His family is said to be in contact with officers who are providing them with support.
Malgorzata Wnuczek disappeared on her way home from work at a logistics company in Leicester in May 2006
Leicestershire Police announce officers discovered human remains off-limits from Great Central Way
He leaves behind a daughter, Ola, who was three at the time of his disappearance.
Officers had begun a renewed search for MS Wnuczek on September 30.
The force said it was still unknown whether the remains belonged to Ms Wnuczek
His family is said to be in contact with officers who are providing them with support.
It is understood police have not yet made any arrests over the discovery of the remains.
In June 2023, a 39-year-old man was arrested in the Greater Manchester area on suspicion of assisting an offender and perverting the course of justice and was later released without further action.
2023 arrests, specialist search teams scoured the river for several days following another takedown of Polish police, but nothing was found.
Wnuczek’s family previously made a public appeal for information on the 10-year anniversary of the disappointment, including a £10,000 reward in 2016, but were told only seven people had been contacted and there was no new line of inquiry.
Ola has learned to understand what happened to her mother as she got older, sharing a series of appeals, including an emotional video appeal on her 13th birthday in May 2016, when she was just six years old, Leicestershire Live.
He had been living with his grandparents in Poland since his mother’s disappearance.
Following the discovery of the human remains, senior investigating officer Det Supt Jenni Greenway said: ‘Whilst I appreciate this news may come as a shock to the community, I hope this discovery will help us understand what may or may not have happened to Malgorzata.
‘Officers are in contact with his family and are undoubtedly supporting them through what is a difficult time.
‘Officers will remain in the Watkin Road area to carry out further work and provide reassurance to those living nearby.’
The officer said in an earlier statement: ‘For nearly 20 years, Malgorzata’s family lived their lives without knowing what happened to him, and we owe it to them to answer the questions they have.’
