MYSTERY surrounds the human remains found in a well at West Liss last week.
The skeletal remains of what appears to be a small woman, as well as shoes, clothes, a ring and coins from the late 1930s, came to light when a well at Lyss Place was being restored.
Site contractors called the police. A forensic team was brought in and, with the help of the fire brigade, the remains were recovered from a depth of about 15 feet.
On Wednesday they were sent for post mortem and forensic analysis which may include carbon dating to give an age to the remains.
The technique of reconstructing the face from the skull might also be used to aid identification.
At present it is believed the remains could be up to 60 years old.
Police are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry and are also asking people who knew the Liss area in the past to contact them if they are aware of anyone who disappeared unexpectedly from the village.
During the years of the second world war, Liss received evacuees from Portsmouth and Bermondsey. There were also a number of Army wives billeted in the area.
Already there is speculation that the skeleton may belong to a young woman who is known to have vanished in 1942.
But police have also received other information on the possible identity of the remains and, until there is a definite date on the age of the bones that have been found, investigations into police archives and local history archives will continue.
Liss Area Historical Society archivist, Pat White, said: "There were many people coming and going from the area because of its proximity to the camps at Longmoor and Bordon. During the war years there was also the movement of evacuees."
Anyone with information relating to the enquiry should contact Dc Dave Keevil at Whitehill police station, 01420 472011.