Probe continues into skeleton find

The skeleton was found at The Aubrey Arms

A second team of forensic scientists has been called in to investigate the discovery of a human skeleton in the outhouse of a public house in west Wales.

It is thought the remains could be those of a previous landlady who disappeared without trace 27 years ago.

Detectives have yet to confirm whether the remains are male or female, or how long they have been in the building.

Forensic examinations are continuing

The skeleton was found by builders carrying out renovation work in an outhouse at the Aubrey Arms, near Ystradgynlais in the Swansea Valley.

It is not yet clear how long they may have been in the building.

But there is local speculation that the body is that of the pub's former landlady, Barbara Maddocks.

Mrs Maddocks disappeared in October 1973 and, despite an extensive missing person's inqury, was never found.

Dyfed-Powys Police are neither denying nor confirming any connection between the discovery and her disappearance.

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Mrs Maddock's husband, Bill, has since died and her son now runs the pub.

Local councillor Brian Davies said the pair had both been popular in the village.

At the time Mrs Maddock's disappearance had been "baffling", said Mr Davies.

"People felt she may have packed her bags and simply left."

Police sealed off the pub on Monday afternoon and have been conducting extensive searches of the outhouse and the surrounding buildings since.

Forensic tests will now be carried out on the remains to try and discover their identity.