The skeleton of a baby has been found beneath the floorboards of a County Durham home. 

Contractors working on a property renovation on Fore Bondgate, in Bishop Auckland, discovered what appears to be human remains beneath the floor of an upstairs room. 

The discovery was made around 11.15am on Monday, with Durham Constabulary confirming the body is being recovered from the building this afternoon. 

Police are now set to carry out a full search of the property. 

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Forensic analysts, including an expert anthropologist, have been brought in to examine the skeleton to help determine its age and how long it has been in its current location.

A post-mortem examination and CT scan are scheduled for later this week to determine the cause of death, with detectives now tracing previous residents of the home. 

A full statement from police said: "Contractors working on a property renovation in Bishop Auckland have discovered what appears to be human remains.

"The skeleton of a baby was found beneath floorboards in an upstairs room at an address in Fore Bondgate at approximately 11.15am on Monday.

"The body is being recovered from the building this afternoon and police teams will then carry out a full search of the property.

"Forensic analysts, including an expert anthropologist, have been brought in to examine the skeleton to help determine its age and how long it has been in the current location.

"A post-mortem examination and CT scan are scheduled for later this week to determine the cause of death.

"Detectives from Durham Constabulary have also begun tracing previous residents of the property."

 

'Absolutely dumbfounded'

Bishop Auckland Councillor Sam Zair has since spoken of his shock following the tragic discovery on Fore Bondgate yesterday. 

He told The Northern Echo: "I think everyone is shocked. When stuff like this happens, let alone on your doorstep... it's absolutely tragic circumstances. 

"I am absolutely dumbfounded at what I have been told and we have just got to let the police get on with their job until things get clearer."

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Detective Chief Inspector Mel Sutherland said: “Our investigations are at an early stage.

“Obviously, this is a sensitive enquiry and at this point, we remain open-minded as to the circumstances surrounding the death”.