Suspected human remains were found last week while archaeological work was being carried out in Liverpool's historic Williamson Tunnels.
Merseyside Police confirmed to the ECHO that a bone fragment, believed to be a human remain, was found at the tunnels in Edge Hill on Friday, March 24. Writing on the Williamson Tunnels Facebook page, heritage centre manager Dave Bridson said: "Last week's digging, at a depth of approximately five metres below the original tunnel level, revealed several bones of which one may be human (possibly rib no.12 - the smallest and one of the so called 'floating ribs').
"The police were informed and have taken the bone for forensic investigation but in the meantime digging has been suspended, the dig area has been sealed off and, during opening hours, we have had a permanent police presence to ensure nothing is touched."
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A spokesperson for Merseyside Police added: "Forensic officers attended and tests are being carried out to confirm the type and provenance of the bone."
The Williamson Tunnels, spanning from Mason Street to Grinfield Street, Smithdown Lane and Paddington, date from 1810 to 1840. Wealthy tobacco merchant Joseph Williamson employed workers to create an intricate maze of brick-arched underground tunnels and vaults for seemingly no reason.
Volunteers have been working for the past decade to clear the mysterious labyrinth of tunnels. No records were kept of how far the tunnels stretch or why they were built.
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