Human bones on building site sealed off by police turn out to be 1,400 years old

Carbon dating reveals remains date back to between 635 and 685AD

Police forensic officers at a building site in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, in October 2019 where human bones were found which were later dated back to 635-685AD. (SWNS)

Human bones found on the site of a former care home during demolition have been dated back to the seventh century.

Police sealed off the site at Catherine Dalley House, in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, after workers made the discovery in October.

Specialist forensic examinations were carried out to establish the circumstances behind the findings.

However, carbon dating has now dated the bones to the Anglo Saxon period between 635 and 685AD, making them almost 1,400 years old.

The remains have been handed to Cotswold Archaeology Ltd for further research.

Detective Inspector Tim Lindley, of Leicestershire Police, said: “During the past couple of months, we have been carrying out enquiries with contractors at the site as well as with a team of archaeologists.

“This has been a lengthy process to establish the facts but carbon dating has now dated the bones to the period between 635 and 680AD.

Aerial view of police forensic tent on a building site in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, where human bones were found in October 2019 which were later dated to 635-685AD. (Tristan Potter / SWNS)

“Cotswold Archaeology Ltd will now carry out their own research into the history of this finding.”

The police cordon set up to preserve the scene has now been removed.