THE history of a skull discovered last summer on a South Lakeland beach still remains shrouded in mystery following the findings of a coroner's inquest.

The partial skull was discovered by a man walking his dog at Kent Estuary, Sandside, on August 29 last year.

An inquest at Kendal has now recorded an open verdict into the death.

In a report, consultant pathologist James Morris said the death occurred more than 20 years ago but probably much less than 100 years ago.

South Lakes coroner Cyril Prickett said, despite inquiries, no reports of a missing person had come to light.

"The pathologist report says the cause of death could not be established.

In the circumstances I will have to record an open verdict," he said.

PC David Barnes, of Kendal Police, who was called to the scene shortly after the discovery, said no other bones had been found in the surrounding area.

"My instructions were to see if it was a suitable area to carry out a search.

I had a look in the 50 metre square area and the ground was smooth."

He added the skull was found around 300 yards out from the shore.

"It was well out, where the sea level would have covered it, between the high and low water mark."

As previously reported, last month forensic teams from Lancaster Police uncovered around 16 pieces of bone, including a jawbone with four teeth attached, after being alerted to the discovery by an allotment holder in Carnforth.

Mr Prickett said no connection could be made between the Sandside skull and the Carnforth remains, which are substantially older, possibly dating back to Roman times.

Mr Prickett ordered the skull be released for burial by the local authorities.