HUMAN remains were found on a beach north of Hartlepool as a group of teenagers played in the sand dunes.

Police are investigating after the bones, believed to be around 80 years old, were discovered in the dunes near Crimdon Dene at about 3pm.

The group of friends called in Durham Police after discovering the bones, and believing them to be human. The probe was later passed to Cleveland Police.

A forensic anthropologist has confirmed they are human remains and is carrying out further tests. The bones are believed to be “several decades” old, with experts estimating 70 to 80 years. Police said they were not currently treating the death as suspicious.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said the cliff was unstable and there had been recent landslips, which are believed to exposed the bones. The area is still cordoned off until police can get in safely to check the site.