Police are investigating the discovery of human bones near to a railway line.
A dog walker made the find on an embankment in Fazakerley, Liverpool on Saturday.
A spokesman for Merseyside Police said: "What appear to be human bones were discovered on the disused loopline railway near to its junction with Blackthorn Road, Fazakerley.
"The dog discovered the bones in what appears to have been an old fire pit on the embankment close to the railway line.
"Initial examinations by a pathologist and anthropologist have confirmed the bones as human.
"The scene has been cordoned off and an extensive forensic recovery is under way.
"The Force Major Incident Team is carrying out an investigation into the discovery and is appealing to anyone who has any information which could help them with their inquiries to contact 0151 777 8660, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."