THERE has been a heavy police presence surrounding a cemetery after a placenta was found.

CSI and forensic teams were called to an access lane next to Overdale Cemetery this morning.

Police have since announced that the incident is not suspicious.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: “A placenta was found, which had been buried.

“The incident is not suspicious.”

Some families choose to bury the placenta following the birth of their baby.

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust's family care division offers the following guidance about the disposal of placentas post-birth: the placenta must be buried on private property and not in public places such as parks or cemeteries.

They also advise that the placenta is buried at least two feet deep to reduce the likelihood of it being dug up by animals, as well as marking the place of the burial so that it is not accidentally disturbed at a later date.

It was Bodeane Rostron, a company director, who called police this morning after finding what he believed to be a placenta and umbilical cord.

Officers were called to the site, off Overdale Road, at about 7.45am.

Mr Rostron, who runs Chew Moor-based BR Bolton Landscapes, was with labourer Billy Thomson when they made the discovery near their unit, which is situated off Overdale Road.

He said: "We noticed something in the middle of the track that leads to the farmer's field.

"I thought it was a placenta. The umbilical cord was still attached.

"It was strange to find it here, right next to the cemetery. I thought I needed to call the police."

Mr Rostron owns a shipping container at the bottom of the lane, which leads to Atkinsons Farm.