A RUBBISH dump near York where human bones were discovered is being treated as a major crime scene, police said today.

A second specialist search team has been brought into the Towthorpe Civic Amenity Site, in Strensall.

More items have been removed from the scene, though it has not been revealed what they are.

"Declaring the site a crime scene protects the integrity of the scene and of the investigation," said Inspector Andy Everitt.

A variety of human bones were found at the dump on Thursday by a JCB operator carrying out drainage works.

They were uncovered three to four feet down. Their age and sex has not yet been determined.

Inspector Everitt continued: "It is a painstaking operation. We are looking to widen the search area from where the bones were found, and also hope to complete the search while the good weather holds.

"More items are being recovered from the scene.

"At the moment they are being treated as exhibits and will be more fully assessed later."

Strensall resident Margaret Yates, who has lived in the village since 1938, said: "I can't remember anyone disappearing or anything like that, and a disappearance would be remembered in a small village like this.

"They could have been there for donkey's years, those bones. Who knows how long they've been dumping rubbish there?

"It is still unnerving though, to think that human bones have been found so close to home."

Clive Watkinson, who has lived in Strensall for eight years, said: "I don't go to the tip myself, but I am still a bit shocked to hear of this."

Anyone with information is asked to ring the police on 01904 631321.

Updated: 10:11 Saturday, March 30, 2002