POLICE have few clues in their attempts to discover the identity of the bones found near Beaconsfield.

At a press conference, held at Maidenhead Police Station on Wednesday, Det Supt John Donlon, leading the investigation, admitted he had little to go on.

He said: "All we have at the moment is the skeletal remains of a woman aged between 16 and 35."

Det Supt Donlon added: "Our only clue is a green, plastic butterfly hair-grip. This hair-grip was found in the hair, close to the remains."

Police are extremely keen to speak to anybody who might know anyone who has gone missing and would have had a hair-grip similar to one used by hairdressers.

Det Supt Donlon said: "It's not decorative so might be the thing which holds the key."

A major incident room has been set up at Maidenhead. There are currently 12 officers looking into missing persons but not enough details are known to narrow the search.

Det Supt Donlon said: "The search parameters are quite wide at this time. We have missing persons all over the country and we only got details of age and height this morning. The skeleton was found close to the M40 and could have come from anywhere."

Residents in Beaconsfield and surrounding areas are also keen to find out more about what went on.

Tom Sangster, of Forty Green, Beaconsfield, said: "I was shocked to hear about it. I don't recall anybody listed as going missing. I'm now just waiting for more news."

Frances Greenhough, 18, of nearby Knotty Green, was worried about the find.

She said: "One of my work mates said there was a body found. You don't expect it to happen. You never think that would happen here.

She added: "I first thought the body had been dumped from one of the bigger towns like Slough or along the M40 because of being close by.

"It's quite worrying. You do hear things happening round here to young girls walking back home. I go into London quite a lot and I wonder whether I should walk home by myself."

Mark Smith, of Reynolds Road, Beaconsfield, said: "You read about it in different areas but not round here."

Pub regulars at the Charles Dickens pub, Aylesbury End, Beaconsfield, discussed the happenings and possibilities over some drinks.

Nick Miller, 23, said: "I'm quite shocked and surprised that it's happened in a quaint town like Beaconsfield. You don't expect it round here. I'm surprised it took so long to discover."

Paul Harris, 44, said: "All the rain we've had could have washed away the soil covering the remains."

Chris Mooney, 41, thought the body had been dumped in a rush.

Mr Miller agreed and said: "If you're smart enough, you wouldn't just leave it near a walk-way."

Jonathan Ray, of Gerrards Cross, said: "I saw it the other day. I saw them searching the area. I was surprised when I heard.

"There's not normally anything like that here."