Human bones found under Croydon driveway
Human bones, including what is believed to be a skull, have been found underneath a driveway by workmen.
The Met said it was called to an address in Purley, Croydon after the builders alerted them to the discovery.
The cause of death is unexplained and anthropologists are trying to determine the age of the bones.
Det Sgt Kenny Windsor said it was an "unusual discovery" but a Saxon burial site nearby could also be an explanation for the remains.
He said: "At this early stage in the investigation, it would appear that the bones have been there for many years.
"Any requirement for an investigation will be determined by the age of the bones and we're seeking the assistance of anthropologists to try and establish this, but we may also have to use carbon dating techniques to confirm their age."
Alison Carpenter, who lives in the property with her family, said the builders started work on the driveway on Monday morning and hours later phoned her to say they had found a skull.
She said: "We called the police and they decided it ought to be investigated so they have sent the skull away for testing.
"We have to now wait until the results come through before we can continue to work on the driveway."