A POLICE investigation has been launched into claims that underground corridors and rooms containing parts of human bodies have been discovered beneath a former Victorian mental hospital.

Contractors are understood to have made the discovery during the demolition of Winterton Mental Hospital, in Sedgefield, County Durham, to make way for a housing development.

Rumours of the discovery quickly began to circulate throughout the area over the weekend.

Among the claims being investigated are reports that jars containing preserved body parts dating back to the turn of the century were found in one of the rooms.

The 140-year-old hospital closed in March 1998 and the site is being developed.

An investigation would be likely to further hamper moves to clear the site, ready for construction of more than 200 homes and a business park.

Work had to be halted earlier this year on conservation grounds after nesting birds and bats were found on the property.

A police spokesman said: "We are investigating a claim that an underground room has been found. We need to liaise with the site contractors and we will be liaising with the NHS trust on Monday."

News of the discovery has also sparked investigations from former site owner, the NHS Executive.

A spokesman said: "This is a matter of concern to us. We will be working closely with the relevant people to make sure the matter is investigated thoroughly. It is too early at this stage to draw any conclusions."

A former hospital employee said there were rooms underneath the building which were bricked up after the Second World War.

It is understood that contractors were unaware of their presence until last Friday when a digger sank into a hole.

The site is being developed by contractors on behalf of Willis Homes. Both the contractors and Willis Homes were yesterday unavailable for comment.