HUMAN bones unearthed from an old rubbish tip date from ancient times, it was confirmed yesterday.

The remains are now being treated as an archaeological find, although details of the discovery are still being passed to the local coroner.

The bones were dug up from the former Towthorpe Tip, at Strensall, near York, by a digger operator late last week.

Detectives were informed and classified the area as a crime scene, enabling officers to carry out a painstaking investigation of the site.

A pathologist and an archaeologist were asked to carry out a detailed examination of the remains yesterday and came to the conclusion that they were of ancient origin.

The police search has now been called off and no further investigation will be carried out.