An unusual discovery is being investigated at an Orkney beach.

Police and coastguard are on the scene today following the discovery of human remains.

Officers were called out to the Dingieshowe area at around 1.30pm on Monday, when the beach was cordoned off and remains closed to the public. 

Chief Inspector Matthew Webb, of Kirkwall Police Station, said: “We are working to identify human remains found around 1.30pm on Monday, 14 December, 2020, on the beach at Dingieshowe, Orkney.

“Officers, supported by the coastguard, are at the scene today which has been cordoned off.

“A full investigation is underway to establish the person’s identity and the circumstances surrounding how they came to be there, as well as what may have happened."

Officials have confirmed that a post mortem will take place in due course.