Human remains found at Dudley Market revamp site

A police tent was today protecting the find, in Castle Street, close to St Edmund's Church, known locally as Bottom Church.

An archaeologist is being called to examine the remains according to Dudley Council officials who are working alongside Dudley Police.

Shop workers said police arrived yesterday afternoon after the discovery was made.

People arriving for work and college students stood in shock as they passed the site first thing. But police did not have to arrange a cordon as the find was behind metal barriers erected as part of the roadworks.

Officers were on patrol in the road today while investigations continue into the discovery.

A worker at the Castle Elite carpet store, in Castle Street, who asked not to be named, said: "From what we have heard some remains were uncovered while workers were digging up the road."

Another worker at Capital Appliances Centre, also along the road, added: "I have been told the remains were found yesterday and it was a skeleton which was discovered."

Dudley Police told residents through Twitter today: "We are investigating after workers carrying out road works near the church on Castle Street discovered what they believe to be human remains."

Work got under way on the first phase of a £6.7 million revamp of Dudley's historic market place in January. Work was taking place along the road today but not near to where the tent had been put up.

Dudley Council's highways boss, Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, said: "We are looking to resolve the matter with the assistance of an archaeologist as soon as possible and the overall project will not be delayed significantly."