A MAJOR search has been launched after suspected human remains thought to be a skull were found near a layby.
The shocking discovery off the B2141 at Chilgrove is the second time suspected human remains have been found near Chichester in the past seven days.
Sussex Police were “alerted to the discovery of suspected human remains” shortly after 12.30pm yesterday and officers quickly made their way to the scene.
The road was blocked off with police tape and cones as the force launched an investigation.
They scoured the area surrounding where the discovery was made, with onlookers describing “major efforts” involving several officers carrying rakes.
Forensics teams were also called to assist.
It is understood that search efforts in the area could continue for several days as police try to get to the bottom of the origin of the suspected human remains.
A Sussex Police spokesman said: “Police were alerted to the discovery of suspected human remains near a layby on the B2141 near Chilgrove, Chichester at 12.35pm on Thursday.
“Forensic specialists have attended the scene to assist with their recovery, and further examination and searching of the area is ongoing.
“This discovery is being treated as unexplained at this time.”
The uncovering of the suspected human remains yesterday came less than a week after human remains were found by a shocked walker on West Wittering beach, about 15 miles away from Chilgrove.
Police recovered the bones from the coast near Chichester on Sunday, with the force later confirming the bones were human.
An investigation is now under way to identify the skeletal remains.
A Sussex Police spokesman said: “Specialist forensic teams recovered the bones and have confirmed the remains are human.
"The discovery is currently being treated as unexplained and enquiries to identify the bones are ongoing.”
The force later told The Argus that forensics teams were working to establish the age of the bones.
However, despite being found within seven days of one another, police say there is currently no evidence to connect the two discoveries.
A spokesman said: “There is no reason, at this time, to suggest this is linked to the discovery of bones at a beach near West Wittering on Sunday .”
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