A well-preserved ancient corpse, which villagers in Henan believe to be that of one of their ancestors, has gone missing just a day after its discovery, local television reported on Wednesday.
Two further coffins were discovered on either side, both of which contained unidentifiable decayed skeletons.
A 92-year-old man surnamed Zhang told reporters the deceased was his ancestor. He recalled the name of the corpse and said the two on either side were his wife and concubine.
But when dozens of local residents from the local village visited the site the next day to consider relocating the corpse, they were shocked to find all three coffins missing.
Villagers suspect building workers responsible for the mysterious disappearance. The construction team working at the site refused to comment.