A HUMAN skull found in a ditch in a village has been found to date back to the Victorian era.

Russell Claydon

A HUMAN skull found in a ditch in a north Essex village has been found to date back to the Victorian era.

Forensic teams were brought in to investigate the mysterious find in Ashen, south of Stoke-by-Clare, after a member of the public came across it last Thursday.

Experts have now been able to date the skull found in Upper Farm Road as being more than 100 years old.

They have also said there are no visible signs of injury to it and Essex police's investigation will now close.

The skull is now set to be handed over to a local priest so it can be buried.

No other bones were found at the location.

A spokesperson for Essex police said: “A pathologist has said it is believed to be from the Victorian era and there is no sign of any injuries.

“It is a human skull and our investigation is now closed.

“We are going to be giving it to a clergyman to give it a dignified burial.”