HUMAN bones found at a waste disposal site in York were today at the centre of a macabre investigation.

They grim find was unearthed by a JCB operator carrying out drainage works at the Towthorpe Civic Amenity Site, on Towthorpe Moor Road, in Strensall, at about 12pm yesterday.

He uncovered them three to four feet down and called in police, who sealed off the area for forensic teams to move in and conduct a detailed search.

Detectives were unable to say whether the bones are male or female, and how long they have been at the site.

It is believed that area of the site was last used for landfill 20 years ago.

York police Inspector Andy Everitt said today: "A pathologist has confirmed the bones are human. The scenes-of-crime examiners are on site. Their investigation is ongoing. We expect it to continue through the weekend."

Inspector Everitt said that no missing persons files were being linked to the discovery. He also said the inquiry was not being targeted towards a nearby travellers' encampment.

Anyone with information should ring York police on 01904 631321.

Updated: 11:29 Friday, March 29, 2002