Mystery as ‘skeleton of woman’ is found in ditch

GARDAÍ have launched an investigation after skeletal remains, believed to be that of a woman, were found in Co. Wexford.

The remains were discovered in a ditch by the side of a road by a woman out walking her dog in the townland of Bally andrew, near Ferns, at around 11.30am yesterday.

The area remained sealed off last night and the case is being investigated by Enniscorthy gardaí.

The Garda Technical Bureau will attend the scene this morning and the Office of the State Pathologist has been informed.

Gardaí believe the gender of the remains to be female.

It is understood the remains were found with a backpack.

It is not known how long the body had been in the location before it was found yesterday.

Residents in the quiet farming community said they were not aware of anyone who is missing from the area.

Local Fianna Fáil councillor Pip Breen told the Irish Daily Mail the community was shocked but remained hopeful the discovery would bring ‘closure’ once the remains are identified.

‘Everyone who is missing a relative will say to themselves, “Is this one of ours?” – and that’s the biggest thing here,’ he said.

‘We have to wait to see and everyone is only guessing for something at this stage.’

He added: ‘There is nothing good about this and the only thing is it might bring closure for someone. The gardaí have the scene sealed off, but more will become clear in the days ahead.’

Gardaí believe that it could be days or possibly weeks before they are able to identify the remains and establish the cause of death.

A post mortem examination is expected to take place today.