A police investigation has been launched after skeletal remains were found in woodland near a retail park in Stoke-on-Trent.

Officers were alerted after the grim discovery was made by a member of the public on Sunday afternoon (2/3).

Staffordshire Police cordoned off an area of land near to a Morrisons supermarket on Festival Park in the Etruria area of the city.

The force said the remains are yet to be identified following the "unsettling discovery" as forensic officers continue to examine the scene."

A police spokesperson said: "At around 3.40pm yesterday, we were called to reports of skeletal remains found by a member of the public on land near to Festival Park, Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent."

"At this time the remains have not been identified."

"A scene is in place while investigators examine the scene."

"We want to assure the local community that although this is an unsettling discovery, we have a visible presence in the area to investigate, provide reassurance and to listen to any concerns."

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, or contact police via Live Chat online, quoting incident number 397 of March 2.

Alternatively,

call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.