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Human bones found washed up on popular Devon beach

A forensic archaeologist is on the scene to determine the age of the remains

Bryony Gooch
Monday 13 October 2025 12:48 BST
Police attended Saunton Sands, a popular surfing destination, after the discovery of human bones
Police attended Saunton Sands, a popular surfing destination, after the discovery of human bones (Getty/iStock)

Human bones have been found on a popular beach in Devon, leading to a police investigation.

Devon and Cornwall Police officers were called to the scene at 2.50pm on Saturday after the set of human bones was discovered at Saunton Sands beach, an area popular for longboard surfing.

A forensic archaeologist has been enlisted to analyse the remains and determine the age of the deceased person. A police cordon and an officer remain at the scene as the items are being recovered and enquiries are being carried out.

A police statement read: “Officers were called at 2.50pm on Saturday 11 October following the discovery of human bones at Saunton Sands beach.

“A scene guard remains in place while the items are recovered.

“These will be examined by a forensic archaeologist to determine their age.

“Police enquiries are ongoing.”

Saunton Sands beach is on the North Devon coast, near the village of Braunton.

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