Burnt human remains found in ‘shallow grave’ in Pickering: police

Burnt human remains were found in a “shallow grave” in Pickering over the weekend, Durham police say.

Durham Regional Police said in a news release Monday that homicide investigators were called out to a rural area near Concession Road 8 and Sideline 20 around 2:30 p.m. Sunday after a citizen found the remains.

Police said forensic investigators are working with the Office of the Chief Coroner and a forensic anthropologist to recover the remains.

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A post-mortem exam will be conducted to learn more about the person who died, police added.

Speaking to reporters at the scene on Monday, spokesperson Sgt. Joanne Bortoluss said the body was discovered on an off-road ATV trail about 500 metres east of the road.

“Police are urging any witnesses who may have information or who may have used the off-road/ATV trail in the last three weeks to come forward and speak with investigators,” the release said

Anyone with information was asked to contact police at 1-888-579-1520. ext. 5421 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.

— With files from The Canadian Press