THE remains of a woman known as ‘the Sutton Bank body’ were buried for a second time today.

An exhumation was carried out in the early hours of Tuesday, by police conducting a cold-case review of her death.

The naked body of a woman was found in undergrowth close to Sutton Bank, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, in August 1981.

Efforts to determine the woman’s identity and cause of death were unsuccessful.

Following the exhumation, DNA samples were collected from the thigh bone and ankle bone.

These samples have been sent to the Forensic Science Service, in Wetherby, for analysis.

The results are expected back in about for weeks, after which it is hoped her identity will become clear.

Reverend Simon Rudkin, force chaplain for North Yorkshire Police, performed the reinterment ceremony at Malton cemetery yesterday morning.

Detective Superintendent Lewis Raw, head of the force’s major crime unit, said: “The exhumation and examination of the remains went as planned and we hope the results will lead us to the identification of the woman and subsequently, any criminal offences which led to her death.

“North Yorkshire Police would like to thank everyone who was involved in ensuring the operation went ahead efficiently and with dignity, in particular, the families of the deceased who are buried in the cemetery and the residents of Malton who showed support and respect for this sensitive operation.”

Det Supt Raw said publicity surrounding the case had resulted in more than ten calls to police, from families who believe the deceased may be their relative, or members of the public offering information.

Officers want to speak to the anonymous person who called police to report the body, on August 28, 1981.

Anyone with information is asked to call the force’s new non-emergency contact number, 101.