AN OYSTERMAN has discovered an ancient skull which is believed to be from the Bronze Age.

Ross Wey, 85, discovered the rare ancient artefact off the coast of Mersea Island and it is thought to be about 3,000 years old.

The oysterman, who has been dredging oysters for five years, said the lump on the back of the skull was indicative of its age.

The cranium, which was initially examined by police has now been sent to University College London for further research.

Mr Wey, who lives on a boat at Mersea Island, described the discovery of human remains as “bizarre”.

A post on Richard Haward’s Oysters Facebook page, based in West Mersey, read: “It’s incredible that it has survived.

“The location of where it was found is believed to have once been a stream and fishing wasn’t a means of survival then as the locals would have been hunter gatherers.”