Forensic tests will be conducted on what two

Remains of Errol Flynn's son, Sean, 'discovered' in Cambodia

Forensic tests will be conducted on what two searchers believe are the remains of photographer Sean Flynn, son of Hollywood star Errol Flynn, who disappeared during the Cambodian War 40 years ago.

Sean Flynn, American freelance photojournalist covering the war in Southeast Asia for Time Magazine in 1968 Photo: AP

A jaw and femur bone that could belong to Sean Flynn were unearthed from a suspected mass grave in Cambodia's central Kampong Cham province earlier this month and have been handed to the US embassy in Phnom Penh for testing.

The 28-year-old's fate has been a mystery since 1970 when he and fellow journalist Dana Stone were captured by communist Khmer Rouge guerrillas while on assignment in the province, and never heard from again.

John Johnson, a US embassy spokesman, said the "possible human remains" were being sent for forensic analysis in Hawaii.

At least 37 journalists were killed or disappeared covering the brutal 1970-75 conflict between the US-backed Lon Nol government and Khmer Rouge guerrillas supported by North Vietnamese fighters.

"We handed over the remains on Friday. We're getting inquiries worldwide as the story spreads," said Keith Rotheram, a Briton, who made the discovery with David MacMillan, an Australian.

Rotheram, a guesthouse owner in coastal Sihanoukville, said the pair based their search on claims by a local villager, who said he witnessed Khmer Rouge soldiers executing a prisoner matching Flynn's description at the spot in 1971.

The jawbone has two fillings which prove the remains come from someone treated by Western dentists, he added.

Flynn, who worked as actor until covering the wars in Vietnam and Cambodia as a photographer, had a striking resemblance to his father who starred in swashbuckling roles in The Adventures of Robin Hood and Captain Blood.

But the Vietnam War photographer Tim Page, a friend of Flynn's who has searched for decades for his remains, said the bones could belong to a dozen journalists suspected to have been killed in the area.

"Until there's positive proof, it could be any of 12 people. My concern is there's 12 of our mates out there. To us they're all important," said Page, who was angered by the alleged use of a mechanical digger at the site.

"They put a Bobcat through the site – this is not how you conduct an archaeological dig.... Unless the remains are properly treated, you can't assume it's anyone," Page added.

Posted in: news