Police swarmed a Greater Manchester cemetery after an eight-year-old boy discovered suspected human remains at a historic burial site.
Mikey Robertson was playing with his sister and a friend when they found three skulls in the ground at Dukinfield Cemetery in Tameside, Manchester.
Officers are currently in attendance on Tower Street as residents were informed of the discovery.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed on Sunday afternoon that the remains were historic and had been disturbed by animals. No criminal investigation is taking place.
Mikey, an aspiring archaelogist, found the body parts while exploring woods after playing at the nearby playground at Tame Valley Community Green.
Police are in attendance at Dunkinfield Cemetery in Tameside, Manchester following the discovery of suspected human remains
Police and forensic teams at the cemetery. Greater Manchester Police concluded on Sunday afternoon that the remains were historic and had been disturbed by animals
A map of Dukinfield Crematorium and Cemetery in Tameside, Manchester
He told the MEN: I was shocked by it. I am always going there. The other week, there were no skulls and then yesterday, they were right there on the ground.
His dad admitted that he didnt believe his son when he told him that he had discovered human remains, and sent him to take pictures with his phone.
He said that neither Mikey or his friend were fazed by their discovery, which they later reported to police who quickly cordoned off the cemetery.
He added: Its not everyday an eight-year-old finds a skull at the back of your house.
Officers remained on the scene throughout Sunday and were reported to be leaving by the afternoon.
Detective Inspector Christopher Dean, from GMPs Tameside district, said: I would like to thank the general public and the local community for their patience and understanding while we carried out our investigations in Dukinfield this morning and into the afternoon.
Our enquiries alongside Tameside Council and the Coroners Office have concluded that no criminality has taken place and these bones have resurfaced due to wildlife in the local area.
We will continue to work with the local authority and our officers will continue to assist them with scene management.
Police cordoned off the cemetery following the discovery which was believed to be on Saturday
Eyewitnesses reported a major police presence in the area following the unusual discovery
One eyewitness said earlier on Sunday there had been a major police presence with crime scene investigators at Dukinfield Cemetery. They added: Now the full area is closed down.
Another eyewitness said: The officer just said they have found remains and couldnt disclose anything else. Greater Manchester Police has been approached for comment.
Tameside Council confirmed the remains would be handled sensitively and returned to their resting place.
A spokesperson for the council said: The historic burial site was unfortunately disturbed by wildlife in the area. The site will be kept secure as we make the appropriate arrangements to sensitively return the remains to their resting place and restore the land.
We would like to thank Greater Manchester Police for their swift investigation and support.