A house in a quiet Walsall town was sealed off today as police searched for human remains following a tip-off that foetal remains were buried in the garden.

Specialist officers were at the semi-detached house in Huddocks View, Pelsall, searching the grounds around it this afternoon.

A 29-year-old woman was last night arrested and is helping police with their inquiries.

Police officers have been making house-to-house calls in the area, which is off the busy Wolverhampton Road and opposite picturesque Pelsall Wood.

West Midlands Police Ch Insp Matt Markham said: “This action follows information about possible human remains being buried in the garden.

“It is understood the information relates to potentially historic incidents.

“Police have secured the property and specially trained officers are at the scene to carry out any searches.

“Local neighbourhood teams will be in the area giving out reassurance letters to the local community to inform them of their actions.”

This afternoon a large police presence was at the house. Forensic officers measured the garden while others cut the grass back.

A blue tarpaulin cover has been erected along the garden to obscure it from public view. Groups of people began to gather in the street to watch the drama unfold.

Residents, who today spoke of their shock at the probe, said a woman lived at the house with four children.

Andrew Weller, of Wolverhampton Road, Pelsall, said: “I am just shocked to hear that something like this is happening on our doorstep. It is not the kind of thing you expect to hear about in a town like Pelsall.”

Deputy Walsall Mayor councillor Garry Perry, of Wolverhampton Road, Pelsall, said: “It is shocking, I think there will have to be some sensitivity in dealing with a case like this.