A human skeleton has been found on a Sussex beach.

The skeleton was discovered on the beach in Earnley, near Chichester, at around 11.30am on December 31, Sussex Police confirmed.

A spokeswoman said a local woman found a partial skeleton exposed in clay and called officers.

The spokeswoman said: “She at first thought they were animal bones, but later parts of a human skull were also found at the same location.

“The bones were recovered and taken to the mortuary at St Richard's Hospital, Chichester. They have been confirmed as human, but carbon dating tests are now awaited to determine their age and whether further police action may be necessary.

“The area in which the bones were found only becomes visible on two or three days a month when there are low spring tides. An ancient burial ground is known to exist in the area and ancient bones from this site have been unearthed before.”