A PLASTIC bag containing the head of a woman was discovered on Arbroath beach today.
The "grim discovery" was made at around 10 a.m. by two young sisters playing on the beach.
Police forensic officers were on the scene immediately and the parts found were expected to be taken to a pathology laboratory in Dundee for a post mortem examination.
A hand has also been found and mystery surrounds how the body parts came to be on the beach.
Naturally, police are treating this as a very serious incident.
A spokesman said: "Tayside Police has cordoned off a section of beach at Arbroath in Angus today (Tuesday, April 1) after the apparent discovery of human body parts.
"Officers attended at a stretch of foreshore near to South Street shortly after 10.30 a.m. after the grim discovery was made by children playing on the beach.
Forensic officers at the scene
Police believe the parts to be that of a woman.
The spokesman continued: "They found what appears to be the head of a woman concealed in a plastic bag. A hand has also been recovered from the beach."
Scenes of crime officers were in attendance and an extensive search of the beach front took place.
"The items are being removed and will be subject to further detailed forensic examination," continued the spokesman.
A HOLMES (Home Office Large and Major Crime Enquiry System) team was being established this afternoon to assist the investigation.
Efforts are also under way to try and establish the identity of the deceased. This will include contacting other police forces to establish if the discovery relates to any current missing persons.
Anyone who has any information that could assist enquiries should call Tayside Police immediately on Forfar (01307) 302200.
There was a large police presence
