A GROUP of conservation volunteers have told how they found what they believe to be human remains in a Bolton park.

Members of Bolton North East Wildlife Trail (NEWT) were carrying out work in Leverhulme Park this morning when they made the discovery near the entrance to the park in Radcliffe Road.

They called the police and officers and forensic teams were at the scene throughout the day. A cordon was placed around the area where the discovery was made.

Vice-chairman of the conservation group, Simon Gilkes, said: "I was clearing bushes from around the pond, trying to create a wildlife habitat when I spotted what I thought was a skull.

"I thought it was an animal at first but when I thought it was human I shouted Chris Banks, chairman of Bolton NEWT, to come over and we contacted police.

“They asked us to leave and cordoned it off.

“I didn’t feel too well about it. Finding it was quite odd. It was one of those things we didn’t expect.

“It was just a bit spooky, it doesn’t feel nice.

“It wasn’t covered. It was lying on its left side against a tree trunk.”

AS IT HAPPENED: Reports of 'human remains' in park

Investigators in white suits entered the cordon at around 3.30pm today and spent some time inspecting an area inside the woodland. At one point five police vehicles were at the site.

A police spokesman said: "An investigation is going on at present. We found something which has been reported as possible human remains."

Jasmine Renold, secretary of Bolton NEWT, was working in the area when the discovery was made.

She said: “I was stunned. We were out relaxing and trying to do a bit of good for the community and the countryside and we have no way of knowing how to respond. It’s not something we have ever come across before."

Natalie Worthington, NEWT treasurer, who was also among the group working in the area said: "I burst into tears and started shaking. I rang the police.

“The officers were brilliant, they were concerned with our welfare as well.”

Families playing nearby and dog walkers were left shocked by the large police presence in the park.

One woman said: "I was just out walking my dog and it isn't something you expect to see every day."

The cordon was still in place as The Bolton News went to press.