LONDON, Jan 25 (Reuters) - Archaeologists in Northern Ireland have uncovered well-preserved remains of a teenage boy dating back up to 2,500 years - including bones, skin and possibly a kidney - in a rare find that may shed new light on the region’s ancient history.

The body was found in a peat bog - a wetland environment which can aid preservation of organic matter - in the village of Bellaghy after police archaeologists were alerted in October to the presence of human bones on the surface.

Detective Inspector Nikki Deehan said on Thursday police were initially unsure whether the remains were ancient or the result of a more recent death, but radiocarbon dating showed the time of death was between 2,000-2,500 years ago.