Residents are reacting after the skeleton of a baby was found beneath the floorboards of a home. 

Contractors working on a property renovation on Fore Bondgate, in Bishop Auckland, made the shocking discovery around 11.15am on Monday in an upstairs room. 

Police are now set to carry out a full search of the property, with forensic analysts being brought in to examine the skeleton, determine its age, and how long it has been in its current location.

Read our stories on this incident so far: 

The Northern Echo visited the scene of the incident on Tuesday, where residents said it had been a "shock to the community" on the "best street of the town".

One local landlady said: "Police presence has been very professional.

"They have been here since 11.15am yesterday morning. It’s not really common to see the police - this is the best street of the town!"

Another nearby resident said: "Police came yesterday morning, they went upstairs. 

"I don't know what's happening, police have been on the street for two days."

Another resident near the scene said the crews had been working at the property "for the last two or three weeks" before the discovery was made.

One resident in the town centre called the discovery "scary,"  while many were left shocked by the news. 

Another resident on a nearby street said: "It's not really [common]. It's shocking.

"It is a bit scary, you don't know if it was years ago or what.

"You just don't know, do you? You don't know what's around the corner."

The shocking news has also prompted an outpouring of grief on social media, with many describing the news as "horrendous" and "awful".

One person said online: "My heart goes out to the person who found the remains what a traumatic experience. This is just awful."

Another said: "That is sad and an awful thing to find. Hope police can get to the bottom of it."

One social media user said their heart "goes out to the families" while another described the situation as "like something from a TV show".

Another added: "Bless the child. One can only hope the child has contentment in rest."

CSI teams in Bishop Auckland following the discovery of a skeletonCSI teams in Bishop Auckland following the discovery of a skeleton (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

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

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

"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."

Read our full story on this incident so far here. 

 

Forensic analysts brought in to examine skeleton

A Durham Constabulary spokesperson 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.

CSI teams in Bishop Auckland following the discovery of a skeletonCSI teams in Bishop Auckland following the discovery of a skeleton (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

"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."

Detective Chief Inspector Mel Sutherland, from Durham Constabulary, 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”.

This is an ongoing incident - we will update this article.