Experts near to identifying skeleton

The skeleton was found at The Aubrey Arms

The identity of a skeleton found in an outhouse in a pub in West Wales is expected to be revealed later on Thursday.

A forensic dentist at the University Hospital of Wales has been carrying out tests on the remains found at the Aubrey Arms near Ystradgynlais in the Swansea Valley earlier this week.

Dr David Whittaker said he had reached some tentative conclusions about the skeleton's identity.

"I am hoping by later tonight or tomorrow to have some positive answers," said Dr Whittaker.

He said some teeth had been found in the skeleton and checks were being made of dental records.

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

Forensic examinations have now finished

Mrs Maddock's son maintains that the remains are not those of his mother.

Chief Superintendent Wyn Davies from Dyfed Powys police told a news conference on Wednesday that the pub and outhouse had been thoroughly searched for two days at the time of Mrs Maddock's disappareance.

The case was made more confusing because there had been several possible sightings of Mrs Maddock following her disappearance, said Acting Detective Superintendent Euros Lewis, who is heading the investigation.

He refused to confirm that the was heading a murder inquiry.

The skeleton was found by builders carrying out renovation work.

Derelict

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

The outhouse was used as a storage room for the pub up to ten years ago, but his since been derelict.

Detectives are appealing for any delivery men or trades people who may have visited it to come forward.

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

Her husband, Bill, has since died and her son now runs the pub.