Results From Bone Found In Suffolk Woodland

9 June 2014, 12:30 | Updated: 9 June 2014, 12:32

Police investigating the disappearance of Suffolk teenager Luke Durbin have confirmed a bone found in some woodland belongs to an animal.

The small piece of bone, that was discovered in Ufford in February (21st 2014), has been subject to extensive tests.

The first examination indicated it was human and initial tests proved inconclusive on its origin, however, further more extensive and detailed tests with two separate experts have indicated that the bone's origin is that of an animal.

It was found in the wood after officers searched the area as part of the Luke Durbin missing person enquiry.

19 year old Luke, who went missing in May 2006, was known to frequent the wood, and officers searched the wood as part of their ongoing enquiries when the bone was discovered.

At the time of the bone discovery Detective Superintendent John Brocklebank from the Joint Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team stated that there could be an innocent explanation in relation to the bone discovery.

Speaking after the results of the tests he said: "In situations such as this, we rely heavily on the advice and assistance from experts who are specialists in their field. We have been told that the bone held a strong resemblance to that of a human humerus bone.

"Further more detailed tests have been carried out and it has been established that the bone was from an animal, and most likely a deer.

"This was always going to be very difficult to establish as we are dealing with a very small fragment of bone and it was essential that we sought the expertise of specialists in order to move the investigation forward.

"Luke's mother, Nicki Durbin, has been kept fully informed throughout the testing process and understands that these have been necessary and appreciates everything we have done.

"Our job now is to continue with the enquiry to establish what happened to Luke after he went missing in Ipswich after a night out on 11th and 12th May 2006."

Anyone with information into Luke Durbin's disappearance is asked to call the Incident Room at Suffolk Police Major Investigation Team on 01473 668999 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111