The bones - unearthed near the Brunel Court halls of residence - are believed to be from a medieval burial ground.

Five coffins and a number of skeletal remains have been uncovered, along with medieval glass and floor tiles thought to be up to 700 years old.

The site has been fenced off and work halted to allow archaeologists to examine the site.

Franciscan Priory

Andrew Bradbury from Lancashire Police said: "Historically, this is an incredibly exciting find.

"We were called to the site late on Tuesday morning by construction workers who made the discovery when they were digging the foundations for the extension just off Marsh Lane, near its junction with Ladywell Street.

"We think the site is the old Franciscan Priory which people have always known existed around here, but were just not sure of its exact location.

"The site has been fenced off and once it became obvious that the bones were from an ancient site, the police had no further involvement."