Update after human remains found by gas workers digging at major project

Police and the council have outlined the next steps

Historic human remains discovered by workers at a major building project are to be 'respectfully reburied' after police closed their investigation.

They were found last Saturday (May 31) during work inked to the Greek Street bridge replacement in Stockport

The structure, which contains a roundabout that carries traffic over the West Coast Mainline, is being dismantled and replaced by Network Rail in one of the biggest civil engineering projects seen in the borough in decades.

As part of the work, utilities pipes are being upgraded and repositioned.

Last weekend, workers at gas company Cadent were digging down into a section of the pavement on King Street West in Edgeley, next to Our Lady's Catholic Primary School, when they discovered what appeared to be bones.

They immediately halted the work and called in police. Officers attended and the hole in the ground was taped off.

GMP said initial enquiries indicated they had 'likely been there for a considerable amount of time.'

Locals suggested on social media that there was once a church in the area that may have contained a graveyard.

GMP has now given an update on the case.

They said the area appeared to be 'the site of a historical burial site' and that as a result their investigation had been closed.

"The site has been handed over to Stockport Council and is no longer a police matter" a force spokesperson said.

It has not yet been disclosed what era the remains may date to. But Stockport Council said a 'respectful reburial' is now being arranged.

“We are ensuring the archaeological remains discovered on King Street West are treated with the utmost dignity and respect" a town hall spokesperson said.

“We’ve been in touch with the Ministry of Justice and are making arrangements for a respectful reburial.

"We're working closely with our contractors to ensure everything is handled with care and sensitivity throughout.”

The Manchester Evening News understands Cadent are working elsewhere on the site as they await further instructions, and that they can redesign their work should work not be able resume at that spot.