Suspected human skeletal remains found in woodland by the A617 in Nottinghamshire have triggered a police investigation that is now expected to stretch through the bank holiday weekend and into next week. Nottinghamshire Police set up a cordon shortly before 15:00 BST on Saturday after members of the public discovered the remains near Rainworth Bypass.

On Sunday, forensic teams were still working at the scene and one lane of the eastbound carriageway was coned off as the investigation continued. Det Insp Matt Scott said the remains are believed to be of one person, but the identity had not yet been established.

“Whilst the investigation is still in its early stages, following inquiries carried out so far, I can confirm that the remains we have found are believed to be of one person,” Scott said. He added that the discovery “will likely cause concern among the community” but “poses no risk to public safety.”

The woodland where the remains were found sits beside the A617 Rainworth Bypass, a busy route in Nottinghamshire, and police said the case remains in its early stages. Scott said “any discovery of human remains is taken extremely seriously” and that officers were keeping an open mind while they work to identify the person as soon as possible.

He said the search would not be over quickly. “A thorough investigation is being carried out and we are keeping an open mind at this time,” he said. “It is important for me to stress that this is also likely to take us some time yet. There will still be a scene remaining that will be guarded by police officers for a number of days while our work continues.”

Residents should expect to keep seeing officers in the area over the bank holiday weekend and into next week, Scott said, with an increased police presence planned while inquiries continue. “I would encourage anyone with any concerns to please come and speak to us. We would like to thank the public for their patience,” he said.

The immediate question now is not what was found, but who the remains belong to. For police, the task is straightforward in one sense and difficult in another: secure the scene, finish the forensic work and put a name to the person found in the woods beside the A617.