Luke Durbin: Specialist search dogs to be called in to search Ufford woodland

Tomorrow specially-trained dogs are expected to be used to see if any further pieces of bone similar to that discovered on February 21 can be found.

The three-inch bone part has now been sent off to a laboratory for testing.

However, detectives continue to stress they do not know at this stage whether it is from a male or female, how old the person was, or how far it dates back.

Officers have been keen to play down speculation it could be remains from the 19-year-old who disappeared in May 2006.

It was discovered when investigators working on the Luke Durbin inquiry decided to search the woods which he was known to frequent.

Search specialists and a Forensic Osteo-Archaeologist have been at the site for the past two days looking over a cordoned-off area the size of a football pitch.

Detective Superintendent John Brocklebank, the man leading the inquiry said: “We have done all the areas we have identified as anomalies. The search team and forensic archaeologist have excavated to a depth in some places and in some others they have removed the top of the soil.

“Specialist search dogs will be coming to look for remains on Friday, but going over that area will take a while.

“I would estimate it will be between two weeks to possibly three weeks before we know the results of the DNA test and other tests on the bone we have found.”

Officers will also use 360 degree photography to create a virtual representation of the site as part of their inquiry.

It is understood previously other bones have been found in the area, particularly in the vicinity of a nearby church and churchyard.

There have also been other sites in the area where archaeologists have been involved in digs in the past.

The last confirmed sighting of Mr Durbin was in Ipswich on early on May 12, 2006, following a night out.

However, police said they believe he may have been seen in a car near the Turban Centre in Woodbridge the following day.