INVESTIGATIONS are continuing to establish whether a bone found at Shepton Mallet Prison is human.

The gruesome discovery was made during the clearing of a drain at the Somerset site, which is now a tourist attraction.

And a spokesperson said work was still ongoing to establish exactly what the bone came from.

“Some have cautiously suggested it could be animal, however, a few specific industry professionals have suggested that certain features bear a resemblance to human remains,” they said.

“However, this is difficult to say with certainty while we are this early into the investigation.”

READ MORE: Contraband, including a bone and makeshift weapons, found in prison drain

They said it was “unusual to find something like this in such a context”, with the fact the bone was found in a prison adding “weight to every find”.

“And when it comes to bones, even the smallest fragment can hold unsettling implications,” they said.

“We’re not making any claims, but the uncertainty is what makes this discovery so compelling.”

The bone was found along with a host of other contraband in the drain, including a phone card, makeshift knives and tobacco.

The spokesperson said they are keen to have the mystery of the bone solved in time for Living History Day, on August 25, when it could go on display.

The bone, circled, was among finds in the drain at Shepton Mallet Prison