IS THIS a 100-year-old death mystery that will never be solved?

The bones of a Victorian woman, aged between 17 and 21, were discovered on a Hampshire beach, prompting speculation over her fate.

Was she murdered and her body hastily buried? Or had she died from illness and been given a "natural" burial on this rural coastal stretch.

Police say there won't be an investigation into the death because of the age and condition of her bones, making detailed forensic tests difficult.

It is possible the bones had been buried near to the cliff edge at Warsash some time ago and - due to erosion - had fallen into the sea before being washed up.

A spokeswoman for Hampshire police said: "Given the age and condition of the remains it has been decided not to pursue the investigation and there will be no further police action at this time. The matter is now being dealt with by the coroner's office."

Police were alerted to the find by a passer-by who made the discovery on Saturday afternoon.

Initially, families of missing people reported in Hampshire were contacted by officers who quickly ruled out any link with recent high profile disappearances.

It is not unheard of for bones to be washed up on the south coast's beaches. Twenty years ago bones were found along the inlets at Portchester. It was discovered that a nearby burial site close to the coastal edge was becoming eroded and as a result bones were falling into the sea.

The bones are now in the care of the Portsmouth Coroners' office. A spokesman said it had not yet been decided what to do with them.