Human remains found by builders digging up a patio at sheltered housing were reportedly “more than 100 years old”.

Herts Police were called to St Mary's House, in George Street, Hemel Hempstead, on Thursday (October 3) after builders made the discovery.

Work was paused as forensic teams took over the site and began investigating why the remains, initially described as “very old”, were at the location.

The Abbeyfield Berkhamsted and Hemel Hempstead Society, which runs the sheltered housing site, has now confirmed that the force handed the site back to them on Friday after confirming that the remains were “over 100 years old”.

Built as a gentleman’s townhouse in the 18th century, it has since been converted to offer supported living for older people.

It has been reported that the building was built over an “ancient burial ground”, but this has not been confirmed according to the landowner.