There is growing mystery this morning after police confirmed remains discovered near Awliscombe in Devon were not human, despite emergency services earlier being called to reports that a ‘child’s body’ had been found.
Emergency services, including the South Western Ambulance Service, were called to woodland near Hembury Hillfort on Saturday morning by members of the public. A major investigation was launched, with detectives and forensic teams quickly arriving at the scene.
All nearby roads were also sealed off, a wide cordon was put in place, and specialist officers were seen conducting detailed searches of the dense woodland as part of the investigation.
Sources confirmed to Plymouth Plus that the original reports made to emergency services alleged that 'the body of a child had been found in the woodland'.
In a statement released this morning, a spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said:
“Further enquiries have identified the remains were not human. The police cordon and road closures that had been established at the scene have all been stood down. We would like to thank members of the public for their patience and support.”
The confirmation has deepened local speculation about what was actually discovered. Residents who witnessed the activity have expressed confusion about why vast amounts of both police and paramedics were sent to the scene if the remains were 'not human'.
Hembury Hillfort, which dates back to the Iron Age, is an isolated and heavily wooded area overlooking the Otter Valley. The discovery has left the community unsettled and looking for answers. As one local resident told Plymouth Plus, “They would not send ambulances for bones. So what did they really find?".
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