The skeleton of a baby that was found beneath the floorboards of a County Durham home was "undisturbed" for years.

The body of the baby has been recovered from the scene in Bishop Auckland and taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.

A post-mortem examination will be carried out on Friday morning.

Police teams have searched the rest of the property and no other human remains were found.

Initial indications suggest that the baby was full term and has been undisturbed for a number of years.

A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said: "The body of the baby has now been recovered from the scene and has been taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, where a post-mortem examination will be held on Friday morning.

"Police search teams have now completed their work in the building and have concluded that no other human remains were present.

"Detectives are waiting for the results of forensic analysis, however, initial indications appear to suggest that the baby was full term and had been undisturbed for a number of years."

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

The discovery was made around 11.15am on Monday (July 29).

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

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."