POLICE are hoping that latest forensic science will be the key to solving the mystery behind the discovery of a woman's bones in a lay-by.

Det Supt John Donlon, leading the investigation, said a team of forensic experts are working on the DNA of the bones, which could unlock vital information in the case.

He told the Free Press: "We hope that in a short time we will have more information from the DNA taken from the bones and can start building up a picture of this woman and her lifestyle.

"The DNA may give us the information we need to look at the circumstances in which she went missing."

The bones of the woman, believed to be between 16 and 35 years old, were discovered by a passer-by between the Wilton Park and Pyebush roundabouts in Beaconsfield on March 22.

And although the police are treating the death as "suspicious" and are not ruling out murder, they cannot confirm the circumstances in which the woman's body ended up there.

But Det Supt Donlon said: "It is more than likely someone dumped the body and covered it in soil."

A team of more than 12 detectives are investigating the case, backed up by a team of forensic expert, computer specialists analysing DNA and officers involved in searching the scene.

Police are likely to be carrying out a nationwide check of missing persons as they are not aware of anyone in the immediate area who went missing during the time the body is thought to have been dumped.

The bones which were found indicate that the woman was between 4ft 11in and 5ft 2in tall.

A light ginger or mid-brown hair was found close to the body.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room at Maidenhead on (01628) 645678