Police officers made a grim discovery yesterday when they came across human bones on waste ground.

The bones, including the skull and fragments of clothing, were discovered near a BT engineering centre in Seddlescombe Road North, Hastings.

Police cordoned off the area and archaeological and forensic experts were today examining the remains to determine how old they are.

They also want to establish whether the person was murdered or died as a result of natural causes.

Officers found the bones among bushes and in undergrowth between a fence and the road.

It is not known what sex the person was, but the bones were those of an adult.

Some bones were still missing last night, possibly taken by foxes, and police were continuing to search the area today.

Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Moore, said there were no signs of violence on the remains but it was too early to say how the person had died.

He said officers were checking lists of missing people.

A spokesman for Hastings police said the wet overnight weather had spoilt any chance of further investigation today.