Human remains have been found on a building site.

A number of bones were found during building works off Gas House Road, near Rochester multi-storey car park, where flats are being constructed as part of Rochester Riverside project.

They are thought to have been left from three medieval parishes called St Nicholas', St Margaret’s and St Clement's which were in Horsewash Lane.

Police were called by builders at 8am on Tuesday, July 16.

Spokesman James Walker said: "Officers attended and seized a number of bones, which have been confirmed as human but are not believed to be recent."

St Clement's was joined with St Nicholas' parish after the last vicar died in 1538.

The church's last remaining foundations were removed when the railway was constructed in the 1850s.

It is likely the bones have come from the burial ground of St Clement’s.

Assistant Director for Physical and Cultural Regeneration at Medway Council Dawn Hudd said: “We understand historic remains, which could date back as far as the 16th century, were uncovered in Gas House Road, Rochester, earlier in July.

"They have been passed to Kent Police for tests to be carried out to estimate the age of the remains.”

The police had planned to do carbon testing on the bones to determine their age.

However, officers are satisfied the cause of death was not suspicious and have decided not to investigate further.

Countryside, the developer in charge of Rochester Riverside Project, has confirmed the bones were found and are working with police and the council to support their inquiries.

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