Mexico Jalisco: Forensics piece together 44 bodies Published duration 14 September 2019

image copyright AFP image caption Heavy machinery was used to uncover the bodies earlier in September

Forensic scientists in Mexico have managed to piece together 44 bodies buried in a well in Jalisco state.

Discovered just outside the city of Guadalajara, the human remains were hidden in 119 black bags.

The remains were discovered earlier in September when local residents began complaining about the smell.

Jalisco is the heartland of one of Mexico's most violent drug gangs and this is the second major find of bodies in the state this year.

The vast majority of the bodies were cut up. A local organisation which searches for missing people has appealed to the government to send more specialists to assist with identification.

They say the local forensic department is overwhelmed and does not have the necessary skills to complete the operation.

media caption On patrol with Mexico's avocado police