Human Remains Found In City Suburb

The discovery by contractors of human remains in an empty house has shocked a south Belfast suburb.

Last night, the PSNI confirmed that it was indeed human remains that turned up as part of a house clearance in Donegall Avenue in the loyalist Village area.

It is understood they were found among rubbish during a clean up by workers from the Red Sky firm - which has just been in the news having been effectively 'sacked' from a lucrative NI Housing Executive (NIHE) contract.

With just a few months still to run on the NIHE contract, staff were sent to the house and made the discovery in the back yard of the derelict dwelling.

The house remained sealed-off last night as a police forensics team continued to carry out tests on the remains.

A pathologist examined the remains on Tuesday afternoon. An investigation has been launched

There has been shock over what is though to be little more than a skeleton being uncovered around 10am on Tuesday.

Belfast City Council had issued a public health notice against the vacant property last month after neighbours complained about a build-up of refuse at the rear of the building.

The house, which is surrounded by family homes, had been used by fly-tippers in recent months and locals had complained about a bad smell.

It is believed the council contacted the NIHE last month asking it to help clear and secure the property.

See: Jobs At Risk As Red Sky Dims

(BMcC/GK)