Skeleton of baby found under floorboards by workers renovating property
Police have brought in forensic analysts, including an expert anthropologist, to examine the skeleton.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The skeleton of a baby has been found beneath floorboards by contractors working on a property renovation, Durham Constabulary has said.
The force said the human remains were found on Monday morning in an upstairs room at an address in Fore Bondgate, Bishop Auckland in County Durham.
The remains were being recovered from the building on Tuesday with police teams then carrying out a full search.
Detective Chief Inspector Mel Sutherland, from Durham Constabulary, said: “Our investigations are at an early stage.
“Obviously, this is a sensitive inquiry and at this point we remain open-minded as to the circumstances surrounding the death.”
The force has brought in forensic analysts, including an expert anthropologist, to examine the skeleton and help to determine its age and how long it has been in the property.
A post-mortem examination and CT scan will take place later this week to determine the cause of death.
Detectives have also begun tracing previous residents of the property.