Investigation launched after human ear is found in Aylesbury graveyard

A human ear has been found by a man walking his dog in a Buckinghamshire graveyard, police said today.

The St Mary the Virgin Church in Aylesbury was cordoned off last night following the grisly discovery.

Thames Valley Police sent the ear to the Home Office pathologist to be analysed but test results are not expected back until next week. Officers will launch an investigation if the body part is found to be "current rather than historic".

A spokeswoman said: "Thames Valley Police is currently investigating a report received yesterday from a member of the public who believed that they found a body part in the grounds of St Mary's Church, St Mary's Square, Aylesbury.

"Police were called at 6.37pm by a man who was walking his dog and discovered what he believed may be a human ear.

"Investigations are currently ongoing by police and a scene watch was in place this morning, but has now been lifted."

The church's rector, Father Shane Wood, told the BBC: "It's not a normal thing and it's rarely seen, if ever, in this sort of town".

"You would normally associate body parts with the fictional Midsomer Murders."