Dunecare volunteers ‘rattled’ after finding suspected human remains at Coffs Coast beach

Volunteers at a family friendly North Coast beach have been left “rattled” after discovering human remains, with police providing an update on their investigation.

Forensic police at the Coffs Harbour scene where human remains were found on Tuesday. Picture: Toni Moon.

Volunteers at a family friendly North Coast beach have been left “rattled” after discovering human remains, with police providing an update on their investigation.

Dunecare volunteers at Coffs Harbour’s Jetty Beach made the grim discovery shortly after 10am on Tuesday and police were notified.

The bones were found just metres from where people often picnic.

Police quickly cordoned off the immediate area and started sifting through the sand looking for more bone fragments.

A crime scene has been established. Picture: Toni Moon.

Dunecare contractor Lindy Davis told The Coffs Coast Advocate on Wednesday a volunteer had come across what they thought was an abandoned camp but instead found a backpack, sleeping bag and what appeared to be human bones.

Ms Davis said the group monitored the dunes weekly, and believed the remains “would have been found earlier” but said they were “fairly decomposed”.

Jetty Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the state’s North Coast. Picture: File.

She said the volunteer who made the discovery was “rattled” and “shocked”.

“It was disturbing and a shock to the group as well,” she said.

The volunteers have been offered support and counselling, Ms Davis said.

Police told media on Wednesday the bones found were human, and further forensic tests would be carried out.

Coffs/Clarence Police District Crime Manager, Detective Acting Inspector Mark Rogers said

it was too early to speculate as to the circumstances but police would remain open to all lines of enquiry including drownings and missing persons.

He also said police have not ruled out the possibility that it could be one of the several homeless people camping along the Coffs Harbour foreshore, in an area dubbed “tent city”.

Police are on scene looking for additional evidence. Picture: Toni Moon.

Strike Force Osbox had been established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the discovery, with searches of the area continuing Wednesday.

Police will provide an update of their investigation at 3.30pm on Wednesday.

Police urge anyone with information to contact Coffs-Clarence Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.