Teeth and bone found at Jersey home

Two milk teeth, thought to be from a child or children aged around five, were uncovered alongside fresh bone fragments in underground chambers at Haut de la Garenne, police said.

The items are now being sent to mainland Britain for scientific tests to determine whether the teeth fell out naturally or came from a dead child. They will also confirm whether the bone fragments are human.

Although an expert has already formed a "view" on the matters raised, the tests are needed because of the "possible significance" of the find, the island's deputy police chief Lenny Harper said. Results of tests are expected within a week to 10 days.

Forensic archaeologists made the discovery while painstakingly sifting through dust and debris removed from an area of the floor in the double chamber which had been highlighted by specialist sniffer dogs.

Around 100 people have claimed they were abused at Haut de la Garenne since the 1960s, prompting one of biggest such investigations ever seen in the British Isles.

The former home, which later became a youth hostel, was dubbed the "house of horrors" after fragments of a child's skull were found buried under a stairwell in February.

Although tests have been unable to identify the child or accurately date the fragment, forensic examinations suggest they must have died before the 1940s.

So far one person has been charged in connection with allegations of abuse at Haut de la Garenne. Former warder Gordon Claude Wateridge, 76, is charged with three offences of indecent assault on girls under 16 between 1969 and 1979.

There are thought to be more than 40 suspects in the inquiry.