CALPE WITCHCRAFT DISCOVERY

Human remains and esoteric material found in sea near Peñón de Ifach

DIVERS from Benissa and Calpe were shocked to discover three parcels containing human bones and objects traditionally used for witchcraft or other occult practices on the seabed near the Peñón de Ifach at the weekend.

The bundles consisted of tied sheets with human skeletons, feathers, laurel leaves, twigs inscribed with people's names, a doll and a cane snapped in two.

According to experts consulted by the Guardia Civil, these items are widely used in voodoo, 'santería' and other black magic ceremonies.

One source revealed that the key is in the broken wooden staff, which reportedly symbolises the end of something.

They add that the use of human bones, 'either recent or old, obviously does not point to anything good'.

Another hypothesis being considered by the authorities is that the remains could be the result of a simple homicide disguised as a ritual to throw off the investigators.

Yet another possibility is that the remains were dumped in the sea as part of some type of esoteric burial ceremony.

This idea is backed up by the fact that the area located at the end of the seafront walkway at the foot of the Peñón is often used as a final resting place for ashes, with relatives and friends inscribing on the rocks their loved one's name and date of passing.

UPDATE

Further information published later in the week revealed that the bones had been dug up after being buried for 30 to 40 years.

They reportedly bear no evidence of violence.

In addition, and even more startling is the fact that the remains had only been in the sea for up to a maximum of 72 hours, according to forensic tests.

Officers are now investigating the possibility that the bones could have been stolen during a cemetery desecration.

The Guardia Civil is also working on identifying the remains.

Yesterday (Thursday), it was revealed that the Guardia Civil had located the people whose names appear on the twigs found in the bundles.

They are all alive and resident in Extremadura (inland Spain), where the alleged grave desecrations are also thought to have taken place.

The investigation continues.