Study of bones of women and children found in a Belgian cave has revealed a gruesome chapter of prehistory Neanderthal's could eat 'outsiders' (Image: BBC)

A study of Neanderthal remains has unearthed evidence of 'light, selective' cannibalism targeting women and girls approximately 40,000 years ago.

This spine-chilling new research revealed a gruesome chapter of prehistory in a Belgian cave, after scientists meticulously examined fragmented skeletons.

The investigation identified fresh-bone fractures, percussion marks and cut traces identical to those found on hunted animal carcasses - all clear indicators of butchery.

Published in Scientific Reports, the study concludes a decade of investigative work by an international team from the CNRS, the Université de Bordeaux and Aix-M

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