THE mystery of human bones found on a beach in Walney has finally been solved- but a councillor says there are plenty more questions to be answered.

A police investigation into human bones found near Thorny Nook, Walney, back in July, has concluded that the bones are non-recent, with expert opinion from a forensic anthropologist dating the bones between the years of 1440 and 1640.

Walney councillor and lead member on heritage and wildlife, Helen Wall, said the news was 'absolutely fascinating' and expressed her relief that the bones were non-recent.

"That's absolutely fascinating," she said.

"I wonder what they will do next with the bones and whether they will study the bones?

"That's really quite exciting and I look forward to hearing a lot more about who those people were and how they lived.

"It's a relief it wasn't somebody from today and local, who had something awful happen to them, that is good news."

Cllr Wall speculated about whether there is more to be found in the area and spoke of her excitement at the possibilities to find out more about the town's predecessors.

This is not the first-time human bones have been found at the site. In 2015 a skull was found at the same location; carbon dating revealed the remains dated back to the 1600s.

"It's quite thrilling to have this connection with someone from the distant past, the distant history of our town," said Cllr Wall.

"It will be interesting to know who they were, whether they were men or women, whether they are likely to have been monks.

"I am really excited to hear this news and I can't wait to hear more."

Thorny Nook lies on South Walney in the area of Biggar Village and is a popular location with dog walkers.

The discoveries came after a walker found two bones among rocks near the beauty spot’s car park, one bone was initially identified by police as a human leg bone.

The police investigation has now been finalised and all relevant information forwarded to the county archaeologist.