Mystery of ashes named 'Tufty' dumped on road in Goostrey

The man and woman were strolling along Goostrey Lane, between Twemlow Green and the village rail station when they spotted what they thought was a wooden box dumped in a ditch at the side of the road.

But on closer inspection, they were horrified to discover it was a solid wood casket with ashes inside and the name 'Tufty' on an engraved brass plaque.

After arriving back home locally, the thought occurred it might be human remains and the name on the top could be a fond nickname for the deceased.

It has also since been suggested the ashes may be of a child's pony or a small horse.

When they returned to the spot on Monday evening to photograph the casket before contacting the police, it had been disturbed and the top ripped off and contents left on the ground.

How the casket got there is a mystery, but it is speculated it may be the proceeds of a robbery and was dumped when thieves realised what it contained.

READ > District nurse retires after serving Knutsford families for 38 years

"It was a varnished, well-made sealed box about a foot square, and at first it looked like a safe, or old cash till," said the man who wishes to remain anonymous.

"But it was quite heavy and obviously had contents inside and when I opened it found the ashes, so they were obviously remains.

"Then I noticed a brass plaque on the box engraved 'Tufty' and I concluded they were the ashes of someone's family pet.

"It is a mystery why it would it be dumped at the side of the road. It certainly wasn’t placed there and looked like it may have been thrown out of a passing vehicle."

The man added: "The box and contents may be sentimental to somebody and I certainly wouldn’t want my family pet’s ashes to be thrown into a gulley.

He said when they returned home, the thought struck them the remains could possibly be human and he returned to take a picture before contacting the authorities.