In Erstroff, France, new homeowners unearthed a skeleton while renovating a house believed to belong to the property's former owner who disappeared in 2009.

The discovery, in a concealed attic space, was made while the new owners searched for a roof leak.

The deceased, who vanished at age 81, resided in the home near the German border.

Investigations into the cause of death are underway, and the remains have been transported to Strasbourg for further analysis.

Prosecutor Olivier Glady suggested potential suicide as a hanging rope was found at the scene.

Despite extensive searches, the man's disappearance remained unsolved until this discovery.