Skeletal remains have been found at a multi-storry car park in a UK town, with police cordoning off the scene and launching an investigation. The remains, believed to be human, were discovered on Wednesday at The Midway, a former 1960s car park in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Staffordshire Police officers arrived at the construction site at 1.35pm as families spotted a large police presence including forensic investigators. The building is currently being transformed into 111 apartments by developers Capital & Centric. Officers were spotted standing guard on Thursday as investigations continue.

A spokeswoman for Staffordshire Police said: “We were called to reports of skeletal remains being found on a construction site on The Midway, formerly the Midway car park, Newcastle-under-Lyme. A scene has been put in place while we carry out initial enquiries.”

A spokesperson for Capital & Centric added: “Work on site at Karparc has been halted at basement level, and we are continuing to help Staffordshire Police with their investigations.

“Work is continuing as normal at our other three construction sites in Newcastle-under-Lyme.”

The other two regeneration projects currently taking shape are schemes at the Ryecroft and York Place, bringing a total of 330 new homes.

Developers have described the scheme as the first of its kind in the UK.

Once completed, the development will include a mini-cinema and social hub with a gym.

The Midway had been described as "ageing and outdated", and was replaced by the new Castle Car Park, which opened at the start of this year.