The remains of a human skeleton have been found on a small island in the middle of the River Severn near Bridgnorth.The gruesome discovery was made by a member of the public at about 6.30pm on Saturday.

It is believed the skeleton was found on Pitt’s Island, which is close to the village of Alveley.

West Mercia police attended the scene together with forensic officers.

The body was removed for further examination with the help of the Severn Area Rescue Association and crews from Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.

It is hoped a post mortem due to be carried out later today by a Home Office pathologist will throw some light on the remains.

Detective Inspector Jason Wells said: “At this time, the incident is being treated as an unexplained death.

“The remains are skeletal and are believed to have been there for some time.”

Colin Taylor, a councillor for Alveley, said he had heard about the discovery while in the village post office.

“I overheard someone talking about it yesterday morning, but I don’t think it’s common knowledge in the village,” he said.

“Pitt’s Island is a shingle bank that’s grown up over the years and is covered with scrub.

“It’s not somewhere that’s easy to get to because it’s surrounded by very deep water.”

Picture courtesy of the Severn Area Rescue Association