POLICE say they are keeping an open mind as to how a piece of human jaw bone came to be discovered on a popular river walk.

Officers arrived in Rowhedge on Wednesday following the grim discovery a few days before on a riverside trail near Thanet Walk.

And police were still on the scene yesterday having blocked off the footpath and set up a generator nearby to allow officers to light up the pathway and continue working at night.

Large tents can also be seen on the footpath with forensic officers still investigating.

The bone was found by a pair of dog walkers and a bird watcher last weekend after they were alarmed that it looked as if it may be human.

They were concerned and reported it to police.

No update has been released as to whether any more bones had been found nearby or whether police have identified who it came from.

A spokesman for the force said: “We were called at 2.35pm on Saturday March 16 with reports a jawbone believed to be human had been found along a river walk in Rowhedge.

“Enquiries are ongoing.

“We remain open minded as to how the jawbone came to be where it was found.”

Neighbours have been kept in the dark about the investigation by the police but have speculated the bone may have washed up from elsewhere or brought into the area by a fox, bird or dog.

Mike Lilley (Lab) who represents Rowhedge on Colchester Council, called for the police to tell villagers about what progress they were making.

He said: “The police were still there on Monday.

“But there have been no updates or anything like that.

“People want to know what is going on.

“Obviously a police investigation must take priority but people are being stopped from walking their dogs across the pathway.”

Mr Lilley said materials to build the path were imported from elsewhere and said the bone could have been brought with it.

Anyone with information is asked to call Essex Police on 101.

Details can also be given to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.