Workmen discovered what are believed to be human bones under an old house on Manukau Rd, Epsom, at about midday today.
The house was being prepared for removal from the site when some of the bones, along with a spent rifle cartridge, were discovered on the ground.
Police cordoned off the site and have called in an archeologist to assist determining how old the bones are. The site will remain under guard tonight and Police plan to remove the bones sometime tomorrow.
"There’s very little room to move under the house at present, so the contractors are going to jack the house up to about six feet off the ground tomorrow to give us a better chance at examining the scene before the bones are removed," Senior Sergeant Danny Meade said.
"A local kaumatua has been consulted about the discovery and will assist us with the removal if it’s deemed necessary."
It’s not known how long the bones have been at the site at 96 Manukau Rd, nor how they got there or whether they form a complete skeleton.
ENDS
Issued by Noreen Hegarty
Auckland City Police Communications Manager
Ph 09 302 6947 or 0274-951-589
Website: www.police.govt.nz