Archaeologists are on the scene of a police investigation after human skeletal remains were discovered in woodland beside a busy Nottinghamshire A-road.
The discovery was made by a member of the public in a wooded area near the A617 Rainworth Bypass on Saturday.
Nottinghamshire Police established a cordon on a section of the central reservation at 3pm, with forensic teams on site by Sunday.
One lane of the eastbound carriageway was forced to close as officers began their examination of the scene, which has sparked a full investigation into the circumstances of the remains.
Specialist archaeologists were deployed to the site today to gather evidence as the inquiry continues.
Detectives believe the remains belong to a single individual, and are working to establish their identity.
In its most recent update, Nottinghamshire Police stated the cordon was expected to "remain in place for some time while this work continues".
The force has indicated multiple lines of inquiry are being pursued, though teams are no closer to identifying the deceased.
The discovery was made by a member of the public in a wooded area near the A617 Rainworth Bypass on Saturday
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Detective Inspector Stuart Barson insisted the discovery was "being treated with the upmost seriousness".
He said: "After the initial discovery on Saturday, officers have been working round the clock to establish the circumstances of who the remains belong to, and how they came to be at this location."
Det Insp Barson confirmed investigators were "pursuing a number of lines of inquiry, and there is no wider risk to the public".
"Whilst the identity of this person is yet to be formally established, the public can be assured that a dedicated team are working to confirm this as soon as possible."
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"Whilst the investigation progresses, I'd like to thank the members of the public for their patience and assistance.
"We hope to be in a position to provide further information as the inquiry progresses and in the meantime, I'd ask the public not to speculate.
“We will continue to provide updates when we have them.”
Detective Inspector Matt Scott, speaking earlier in the investigation, noted teams would require considerable time, with the scene expected to be guarded by police for several days.
Specialist archaeologists were deployed to the site today to gather evidence as the inquiry continues (stock image)
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Local residents should anticipate a heightened police presence in the area as the inquiry continues.
The detective inspector encouraged anyone with concerns to approach officers directly, thanking the public for their patience as the investigation continues.