The team behind the discovery of the remains of Richard III have postponed their search for King Harold in Waltham Abbey.

Oval Films planned to launch an initial ground scan in Abbey Gardens, Waltham Abbey, tomorrow.

The team, who discovered the remains of Richard III beneath a car park in Leicester in 2012, have delayed the hunt for up to a fortnight as they wait for an inspector to issue a Section 42 Licence to undertake the geophysical survey.

The search hopes to find the remains of King Harold in the gardens in line with theories he was given a formal funeral at the Abbey Church of Waltham Holy Cross and St Lawrence years after his death at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

The search is being sponsored by author Peter Burke, who has written two historical novels and has different theories about Harold II’s death.

He said: “I am convinced Harold survived the Battle of Hastings.

“If we find the complete remains of an old man in his late 70's with scarring to his temple from a battle wound then we need to do a DNA test.

“Our understanding of this particular period of English history would have to change.”