Treasure trove case opens in Douglas

A treasure trove inquest has been opened and adjourned in Douglas after a man found Viking silver.

Pieces of silver which are thought to date back to the Viking era were found in Garff by a metal detectorist, sparking the hearing to see if the owner can be found.

Metal Detectorist Stuart Watts found 14 pieces of silver between June and December last year.

The pieces contain between 70% and 95% of the precious metal.

Yesterday afternoon at Douglas Courthouse, Coroner of Inquests John Needham concluded that the pieces of silver were of some value.

The case was adjourned and the value of the find to be paid to Mr Watts will be established.