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Human skulls discovered in carrier bags in Totnes | Human skulls discovered in carrier bags in Totnes |
(35 minutes later) | |
Human skulls believed to be up to 100 years old have been found in two carrier bags. | Human skulls believed to be up to 100 years old have been found in two carrier bags. |
The first skull was discovered by workmen behind an empty shop on Fore Street in Totnes, Devon, at 12:15 BST on Monday. | The first skull was discovered by workmen behind an empty shop on Fore Street in Totnes, Devon, at 12:15 BST on Monday. |
A second skull, also in a carrier bag, was later found on the banks of the River Dart around half a mile away. | A second skull, also in a carrier bag, was later found on the banks of the River Dart around half a mile away. |
The discoveries are not being treated as a criminal investigation at present, Devon and Cornwall Police said. | The discoveries are not being treated as a criminal investigation at present, Devon and Cornwall Police said. |
More on the skulls discovery and other Devon and Cornwall news | |
The discovery came after the "owner" of the first skull "appeared" and told them there was another nearby in an area frequented by homeless people, the force added. | The discovery came after the "owner" of the first skull "appeared" and told them there was another nearby in an area frequented by homeless people, the force added. |
Officers said the skulls were then examined and it was established one was male and the other female, with "both persons over 21 years old when they died". | Officers said the skulls were then examined and it was established one was male and the other female, with "both persons over 21 years old when they died". |
"The female skull was better preserved than the male having traces of hair present, indicating that it was kept in a crypt type environment." | "The female skull was better preserved than the male having traces of hair present, indicating that it was kept in a crypt type environment." |
Specialist officers examined the two skulls and dated them at more than 100 years old, although they said a more accurate date would be provided after further forensic analysis. | Specialist officers examined the two skulls and dated them at more than 100 years old, although they said a more accurate date would be provided after further forensic analysis. |
The skulls will now be sent to the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification at the University of Dundee. | The skulls will now be sent to the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification at the University of Dundee. |
Police said the centre will then attempt to calculate the length of time since death, which may require radiocarbon dating. | Police said the centre will then attempt to calculate the length of time since death, which may require radiocarbon dating. |
The discoveries are not currently being treated as a criminal investigation, but Totnes Police's Criminal Investigation Department is making further enquiries. | The discoveries are not currently being treated as a criminal investigation, but Totnes Police's Criminal Investigation Department is making further enquiries. |
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