A group of boys exploring an abandoned house in Florida, US, were horrified to discover a human skeleton. The youngsters had come across the dilapidated property in Avon Park on Thursday and decided to look around.

According to people who were nearby at the time, the boys came out looking ‘white as sheets’ and explained what they had seen. Police were called, and officers from the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office arrived soon after.

They found human bones inside the house, surrounded by clothes scattered a short distance away.

A sleeping bag was also found nearby, reports the Highlands News-Sun, suggesting the deceased person had possibly been squatting.

Officials think the individual died well over a year ago. A medical examiner will try to determine the cause of death, as detectives work to identify the person, the sheriff’s office said.