A HUMAN skull found in the garden of a Darlington property is believed to be ancient, Durham Police have said.

Officers were called to a property in Springwell Terrace on Monday afternoon after workmen working on an extension discovered what they believed to be a human skull.

Police have now confirmed the skull to be that of a human, and that the remains are believed to be ancient.

As a result, they are not linking the discovery to any live investigations at this time. Further bones have also been recovered from the site.

Detective Chief Superintendent Adrian Green, from Durham Constabulary, said: “There is indication of a full skeleton at the site and all accessible bones have been recovered.

“DNA testing and carbon dating is being carried out on the remains and may take some time.

“However, it is likely to be the body of a man and early indications suggest that it is not suspicious.

“We believe the skeleton to be ancient. Therefore, at this time, based on the information available to us, police are not linking it to any live investigations.”

A cordon, which was put in place while officers worked at the property, has since been lifted.