FORENSIC investigations were continuing today to try to establish the identity of human remains found near Cleckheaton.

The remains, understood to be badly decomposed, were discovered off Scholes Lane, Scholes.

A public footpath between a house and the Religious Society of Friends Quakers Meeting House in Scholes Lane remained cordoned off by police yesterday as a forensic team examined the scene.

Unconfirmed reports suggest the remains might be of someone living who had been living rough in the area, according to one councillor.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said it was too early to say whether the death was suspicious.

"Officers attended the scene and have confirmed that the remains are those of a human. These will be the subject of further tests," he said.

"It is too early to confirm whether there are any suspicious circumstances. Inquiries are continuing."

Councillors and residents last night spoke of their shock at the discovery.

Councillor Andrew Pinnock (Lib Dem, Cleckheaton) said: "It's extremely unexpected in this area. It does not happen often around here at all.

"It's a bit of a shock.

"It seems from what has been said that it could have been someone who was sleeping rough in a tent. That is a possibility.

"We just don't know who it is. I have been told that it's not likely to be foul play."

Councillor John Lawson (Lib Dem, Cleckheaton) said: "It's always disturbing to see this kind of thing happen.

"It's a bit early to tell if there has been any criminality or not."

Police were first called to the scene on Wednesday afternoon.

Norman Wheatley, 89, of Scholes Lane, said: "There were about 15 or 20 police officers there on Wednesday.

"I have heard that the body was there for quite a long time and it was quite decomposed. I have heard that it was someone living rough.

"They can't determine if it was a man or a woman at the moment."