Meet the ancestors: New species of ancient humans are discovered after fossilised remains of at least 15 bodies are unearthed in a South African cave

The fossilised remains of a previously unknown species of human has been discovered inside a cave in South Africa.

Named Homo naledi, the species has been assigned to the genus Homo, to which modern humans also belong.

Scientists unearthed more than 1,500 bones belonging to at least 15 individuals which are yet to be dated

They say they could be anything between 20,000 and two million years old.

The discovery came about thanks to a tip-off from cavers two years ago, who had glimpsed what looked like human remains through a crack in a limestone wall. 

The bones were located in the Rising Star cave system in South Africa's Gauteng province, part of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, in a remote chamber that can only be accessed via several steep climbs and fissures. 

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New member of the family: The finding has provided a challenge for the scientists who have been tasked with the bones' analysis, Dr Stronger added: 'Some of Homo naledi's features, such as its hands, wrist and feet, are very similar to those of modern humans' (reconstruction of new species Homo naledi pictured)

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Dr Stronger said: 'Some of Homo naledi's features, such as its hands (pictured), wrist and feet, are very similar to those of modern humans. On the other hand, the species' small brain and the shape of its upper body are more similar to a prehuman group called australopithecines'

If the burial scenario is correct, the creatures would have introduced artificial light into the caves in the form of torches as the narrow passages are entirely devoid of light.