Bones found in field dated to within past five years, tests reveal

HUMAN REMAINS found in a South Yorkshire field have been dated to within the last five years, according to detectives.

South Yorkshire Police said digging is continuing on land in the Swaithe area of Barnsley where human bones, later confirmed as male, were discovered on Sunday.

A force spokesman said further forensic tests still need to be carried out.

He said: “The cordon is expected to remain in place for some time.

“Initial findings from the post mortem and the scene date the remains to within the last five years, though further forensic tests will need to be carried out.

“The death remains unexplained and inquiries continue into the circumstances surrounding this discovery.”

Detectives moved in after the bones were reported to them on land off Mitchell Street.

The remains were identified by a forensic archaeologist this week as being that of a human.

They were reported to have been found by a 13-year-old boy, who discovered a skull as he was retrieving a football from the field.

Officers have this week stressed that there is no indication the find is linked to any nearby residents.

The investigation was stepped up on Tuesday, when officers said the death was being treated as unexplained.

Experts are continuing to try to determine the age and identity of the person.

They are also hoping to pin down the length of time that the bones have been lying in the field.