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

Detective Superintendent John Donlon, leading the investigation, said that a forensic team was 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 aged 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 forensic scientists, computer specialists analysing DNA and officers involved in searching the scene.

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