AN investigation is underway after the possible discovery of human remains near an abandoned hotel near Bolton.

Police yesterday sealed off an area of woodland close to the former Egerton House Hotel, off Blackburn Road.

Urban explorers Felicity and Daniel Duffy say they found what they have described as a human head in the area.

The couple say that they immediately contacted Greater Manchester Police, sparking an inquiry which remains ongoing.

The Duffys told The Bolton News: "Myself and my husband are paranormal investigators.

"We went to a location and we found a human head. Police were called and CSI was called."

The Duffys say the officers remained at the scene in the early hours of today.

"The officers were shocked, just like we were, with what we discovered," the couple added.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said in a statement: "Police were called at around 12.35am on Monday, March 1, to a report of a suspicious item being found off Blackburn Road, Egerton.

"Enquiries are ongoing and a scene is in place whilst tests and forensic analysis are carried out to ascertain the circumstances. No arrests have bee made. There is no threat to the wider public."

The hotel has been closed since 2014 and there were recent plans to demolish part of the building and construct a care facility.

Vandals have repeatedly targeted the property since it closed as a hotel.