Rochford human bones discovery probe continues

Human remains found in a field in Essex five days ago have been removed for forensic investigation, police said.

A number of bones were found on Sunday evening at Rochford near Southend where a search area was cordoned off.

Experts are examining the bones in a bid to discover how long they had been in the ground, the possible age and gender of the person.

A skull, believed to belong to a man in his 50s who had been homeless, was discovered in the area last year.

Forensic tests are taking place to see if the bones belong to the man.

"We are investigating the discovery of body parts on land in Shopland Road, Rochford," a police statement said.

"We are continuing to treat the person's death as unexplained. Inquiries on-going."

The force said they had left the site and further information may be available after the bank holiday, but at present police were treating the death as "unexplained".

Police said they are supporting the family of the homeless man.