North Devon, England — Devon and Cornwall Police have launched a forensic investigation following the discovery of human bones on Saunton Sands beach, a popular coastal destination in North Devon. The remains were found on Saturday afternoon, prompting an immediate police response and the establishment of a cordoned-off scene.
Officers arrived at approximately 2:50 p.m. on October 11 after receiving a report from a member of the public. The area was secured with cones and police tape, and forensic teams worked into the evening under floodlights to recover the remains. A forensic archaeologist has been assigned to examine the bones and determine their age and origin.
In a statement, Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed: “A scene guard remains in place while the items are recovered. These will be examined by a forensic archaeologist to determine their age. Police enquiries are ongoing.”
The discovery has raised questions about the historical or criminal context of the remains. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the bones are linked to any missing persons cases or archaeological findings. The involvement of a forensic archaeologist suggests that the remains may be significantly aged or require specialized analysis.
Saunton Sands, located near the village of Saunton and close to Braunton, is known for its expansive shoreline and strong westerly exposure, making it a favored spot for longboard surfers. Despite its popularity, the beach is notorious for dangerous riptides and lacks lifeguard supervision, contributing to frequent emergency callouts.
Local residents expressed concern over the discovery, with some recalling past incidents involving missing swimmers and unexplained findings along the coast. Authorities have not indicated whether the bones are connected to any recent drownings or historical maritime accidents.
The incident comes amid heightened public awareness of coastal safety and forensic investigations in the UK. Last week, a separate report surfaced involving a human bone found inside a bag, though police have not confirmed any connection between the two cases.
Police have urged the public to avoid the cordoned-off area and allow investigators to conduct their work without interference. Updates will be provided as forensic analysis progresses and further details emerge.
