Police are now investigating
Historic ‘bones’ were found during digging inked to a huge bridge replacement in Stockport, it can be revealed. Police have confirmed human remains were discovered on King Street West in Edgeley on Saturday afternoon.
They have ”likely been there for a considerable amount time’ Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.
They were discovered by workers at gas company Cadent, the Manchester Evening News has now learned.
They were digging down into a section of the pavement on King Street West close to Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School as they are upgrading and repositioning gas pipes in the area as part of the Greek Street bridge replacement.
On it sits a four-way roundabout which carries traffic over the West Coast mainline next to Stockport station, and it is a key traffic route between the town centre, Shaw Heath and Edgeley.
Built in 1958, the 67-year-old structure has ‘reached the end of its life’ said Network Rail, who are overseeing its dismantling, removal and replacement in one of the biggest civil engineering projects in the town’s history.
The roundabout was closed to traffic in March and will remain shut until next Spring.
On Saturday, Cadent workers found what appeared to bones and called in police, the M.E.N understands.
GMP said they appear to be ‘historic’ and ‘there is no suggestion of a crime currently.’
Cadent said they been asked to pause any further work at that spot whilst investigations continue. Instead, they are continuing with other gas works elsewhere on the site, they added.
On Monday, the area around the hole in the ground remained taped off, with a police car parked next to it.
Locals suggested on social media there was once a church in the area that may have included a graveyard.
The M.E.N has been told GMP has contacted Stockport Council to find out more information about previous use of the land.
The force said in a statement: “A scene is in place while officers investigate how they came to be there, and their identity. There is no suggestion of a crime currently. Enquiries are ongoing.”