THE body of a man who was executed has been been found on the South Downs.

But police are not launching a murder enquiry because the human remains date back to the 11th century.

The skeleton was dug up during excavation work for the Rampion offshore windfarm.

Archaeologists uncovered the well-preserved remains of the 25-to-35-year-old in a well-cut grave in chalk bedrock on the south-western side of Truleigh Hill, north of Shoreham.

The 1,000-year-old body, thought to be an execution killing from around 1010-1025 AD, was found by experts surveying the route for the onshore cable which now carries power from the wind farm.

The skeleton was largely intact. He was only missing a few small bones from his hands and feet.

He was laid facing upwards with his arms at his side in an east-west alignment, with no sign of a coffin.

Radiocarbon dating indicated that the individual died before the Norman Conquest, at some point during the late Anglo Saxon period.

Further analysis revealed signs of an active life ending violently with cuts to the neck.

Jim Stevenson from Archaeology South East said: “Two cut marks made by a sharp blade or knife were found at the mid length of the neck, which would have proved fatal.”

These marks could only have been made by a knife cutting through all soft tissue of the neck and throat, according to experts.

Chris Tomlinson from Rampion said: “We have been intrigued by this unexpected Saxon discovery and it’s been fascinating to learn so much from the radiocarbon dating research and analysis about this person and how they met their end.”

The isolated burial was found along the ancient route of the South Downs Way in an area of known prehistoric graves.

It is believed some were once identifiable as visible surface burial mounds and were excavated in the 18th and 19th centuries and sometimes coincide with isolated burials.

Elizabeth Gent from the South Downs National Park Authority said: “We are working very closely with Rampion and their contractors to ensure that the scheme causes minimal impact in the protected landscape of the South Downs National Park, taking account of the rich cultural heritage and important habitats.

“We are pleased to see this partnership working and the excellent care being taken in dealing with such important archaeological finds.”

Experts said the location and nature of the burial suggested the victim had been executed.