Police scouring bushland after human remains found in Sorrento

HUMAN remains have been found in bushland near a beach town on Victoria’s coast and homicide detectives are investigating.

HUMAN remains have been found in bushland near the popular Victorian beach town of Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula.

The discovery was made on Friday afternoon after police were scouring the bushland.

Melbourne radio station 3AW reports homicide detectives, with the help of Mounted Branch, Operations Response Unit and SES, had been conducting the search.

Homicide Squad Detective Inspector Michael Hughes is expected to brief the media on the discovery shortly.

Homicide Squad detectives last week appealed for help in solving a two-year mystery surrounding the disappearance of Mornington Peninsula woman Joanne Martell.

Ms Martell disappeared in mid-2015 after leaving her dog Biscuit — with whom the 45-year-old always travelled — at a friend’s house, AAP reported.

She wasn’t reported missing until May 2016 and, after speaking to family and friends, homicide squad detectives now believe the mother’s disappearance is not only out of character but also “suspicious”.

Ms Martell has not used her bank account or social media since she vanished.

“We’ve got nothing to suggest she’s got enemies,” the homicide squad detective told reporters on Wednesday.

“This will be someone that knows her, I’m sure, unless she’s unfortunately come into contact with someone that’s more sinister. She may have met someone.”

More to come