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RCMP expand search after human remains found on rural north Okanagan property

ABOVE: The RCMP has expanded its investigation into the disappearance of women in the Okanagan.

The RCMP were scouring a third area off Salmon River Road Monday afternoon after human remains were found at a rural property a few kilometres away in the north Okanagan.

Police were standing guard by a yellow tarp about four kilometres north of the Salmon River Road farm that’s now the subject of an investigation. After a few hours, the tarp was replaced by seven evidence markers and the canine unit was brought in to further examine the site.

RCMP said they will be on the property for at least several more days.

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“With an investigation of this nature, it is difficult to presume what will happen next,” Cpl. Dan Moskaluk said. “At this time we are taking it one day at a time. We are fully prepared to be at that location for several days to come.”

However, police won’t say if they are looking for further remains or remains that are linked to more than one person.

“With respect to the remains found, we have been able to confirm we found human remains and that is how we can describe them at this point in time,” Moksaluk said. “We are not quantifying what exactly we found or if these are remains belong to one or more persons.”

RCMP officials say remains were originally found on the property last Thursday. Police say their search was part of “an ongoing investigation.”

WATCH: Salmon River Road investigation has neighbour concerned

Click to play video: 'Salmon River Road investigation has neighbour concerned'
Salmon River Road investigation has neighbour concerned

Police had issued a warning related to Salmon River Road last Friday, after a woman was allegedly threatened with a firearm earlier this year. Police said a man and woman used a website utilized by sex workers and escorts to arrange a meeting in the area.

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READ MORE: RCMP from across Southeast District called in to scour north Okanagan property

Salmon River Road resident Ryan McDonald told Global News his wife heard a gunshot in August and told investigators. He said a man in his 50s had lived on the property for some years.

Moskaluk said RCMP cannot confirm at this time if the human remains are those of a missing woman.

Moskaluk said searchers are also combing the area of Springbend Road and Highway 97B. That search is related to the Salmon River Road investigation.

WATCH: RCMP from across Southeast District called in to scour north Okanagan property

Click to play video: 'RCMP from across Southeast District called in to scour north Okanagan property'
RCMP from across Southeast District called in to scour north Okanagan property

One resident told Global News that officers were asking about a man named “Curtis.”

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No further information is available about the discovery of the human remains at this time, with RCMP and BC Coroners Service continuing to investigate.

— With files from Shelby Thom and Jon Azpiri

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