Shropshire M54 skull has been there over two years, say police
A human skull and skeletal remains discovered near a slip road on the M54 in Shropshire have been there for at least two years, police have confirmed.
Forensic teams were continuing to searching the area to see if there were any more remains to be found. Police confirmed the skull was that of an adult male.
The eastbound M54 slip road at junction four, close to Priorslee and the Shifnal services, was again sealed off today, but due to traffic volume after one lane had earlier been opened.
DCI Neil Jamieson said: "We are in the early stages of this enquiry. It is essential that we complete a detailed and thorough search of the area to establish if any further remains are present.
"We remain open minded as to how this individual happened to be at this location. We have been in contact with neighbouring and regional forces and have requested information in relation to those individuals who have been missing for a significant amount of time across the region. Although it is very early days we believe these remains have been at the location in excess of two years.
"We are unable, at this early stage, to link this to any particular person at this time. The Coroner for Shropshire has been informed and enquiries continue."
Motorist Catherine Pickett was among those caught up in congestion as the investigations continued yesterday.The 42-year-old was unable to access the M54 from Shifnal, although M54 traffic continued to flow past the junction as normal.
Mrs Pickett, of Penn, Wolverhampton, who had been visiting Telford, said: "There was clearly a lot of activity at the scene, although much of it was within the woods. It isn't something you expect to come across.
"I drive past the area regularly and it isn't nice to hear this."
Despite the eastbound entry slip road being shut to traffic, Highways England said there was no major disruption.
Traffic using the motorway junction at Shifnal was diverted, but the main M54 carriageway was not affected.
