A 6th-century Byzantine bucket unearthed at Sutton Hoo, Suffolk, is believed to have been a cremation vessel, archaeologists revealed.

Originally discovered in 1986, with additional fragments found in 2012 and last year, the bucket contained cremated human and animal bones, suggesting it held the remains of a prominent figure.

The copper alloy bucket, adorned with a hunting scene, predates the famous Sutton Hoo ship burial.

Hopes for further insights hinge on analyzing the cremated remains and an unburnt comb, which may hold ancient DNA, the BBC has reported.

Time Team, which contributed to the dig, detailed the discovery in a documentary.

Written by B.C. Begley