An unsuspecting auctioneer made the discovery of his life, when he found an Egyptian sarcophagus while clearing an old house.

Stephen Drake, 55, of Willingham Auctions, Cambridgeshire, found the dusty sarcophagus lid in Bradwell-on-sea when he was examining items to take to auction.

He said: “Due to building work the only way into this cottage was through a hole in the side wall and there was a coffin top just leaning against the wall.

“Everything was covered in cobwebs and dust and it was just like going into a tomb.

“It’s the first one I have come across, I felt like Indiana Jones, I just needed my trilby and whip.

“It’s quite a rarity, it’s nice to see these things you think you will never come across."