Human bones found at Saunton Sands, police cordon in place

Human bones were discovered at Saunton Sands in North Devon on Saturday afternoon, prompting a police cordon and an ongoing forensic investigation. Devon and Cornwall Police said officers were called to the beach at about 2.50pm on October 11 and remained at the scene on Monday as enquiries continued.

Police have secured the area while recovery work is carried out and said the remains will be examined by a forensic archaeologist to determine their age. A scene guard has been maintained while items are recovered and examined, the force said, and inquiries to establish the circumstances are ongoing.

Bystanders described a substantial police presence and measures to preserve the scene. Images taken at the beach show a taped-off section with cones and small excavation holes, and officers working into the evening with lighting equipment. One witness said officers wore gloves and carried evidence bags while asking members of the public to move away from the area; detectives were also seen consulting equipment at the cordon.

Saunton Sands lies near the village of Saunton on the North Devon coast, close to Braunton. The long, exposed beach is popular with surfers, particularly...