Tragic skeletons of Chimu child sacrifices who had their hearts RIPPED OUT 3,400 years ago are found alongside more than 100 treasures in Peru

Buried beneath the streets of Peru, archaeologists have discovered the bodies of at least 12 children believed to have been sacrificed by the ancient Chimu civilisation.

A group of 47 tombs has been found, along with a hoard of more than 100 buried artefacts, thought to date back to around 1,200 to 1,400 AD.

Researchers have uncovered evidence that suggest the people behind their sacrifice may have tried to remove their hearts to appease the weather gods, it has been reported.

Stunning images have also revealed several of the ceramics objects adorned with maritime themes, coastal animals, and geometric shapes, reflecting the connection to the sea felt by the ancient culture.The finds were made in the district of Huanchaco, around 11 miles (13 km) from the city of Trujillo, by archaeologists working on behalf of the local government ahead of the construction of new water and drainage networks.

Víctor Campaña León, director at the archaeological site, said the children were found with cuts to their chest, which may have been an attempt to break the ribs of the children - possibly to remove their hearts, according to reports in Newsweek.

One of the children was buried with 39 shells belonging to spondylus, a mollusc known as the spiny oyster, the most found in a Peruvian burial to date.