To be attributed to Detective Inspector Bruce Scott, Investigations Manager, Waitemata Police:
Police investigating the discovery of human remains at Totaravale Reserve yesterday say a post mortem examination has revealed the bones are that of a woman, but further forensic testing is required to identify who the person is.
Police can confirm that a skull, torso and a leg bone were found in a drain yesterday afternoon by a lawn mowing contractor.
A search of the drain by a specialist Police search team last night and this morning resulted in further bones being found, and Police are continuing to search the length of the drain for more parts of the skeleton. The search team is expected to continue their work at the scene in Totaravale Reserve for the next 24 hours.
Because of the need for further testing, at this stage Police are unable to discuss whether the discovery is linked to any specific person, and until such time as conclusive forensic results are available, Police are keeping an open mind to all possibilities.
Forensic results will take several weeks and in the meantime, Police will be conducting ongoing enquiries in order to establish the identity of the woman.
ENDS
Media please note Det Insp Bruce Scott will not be making any further comment at this time.
Issued by Beth Bates/Waitemata Police