POLICE investigating the discovery of a human head on Arbroath beach have recovered a second hand.
The gruesome find of the head was made by two sisters playing on the shore near South Street yesterday (Tuesday).
The area was preserved as a crime scene overnight and officers are scheduled to begin the meticulous search of the beach later this morning. Timing of the search is determined to a significant degree by the tides.
A police spokesman said: "Today the search will also be extended beyond the initial area where the head was discovered by two young children playing on the beach."
The woman's head was concealed inside a plastic bag. A hand was also recovered by police officers when the search commenced.
It has now been revealed that a second hand was also recovered as the operation continued.
Police are to continue combing the area today
Today's search will be extended along the shoreline next to Victoria Park and will also take in the harbour area and towards the Signal Tower Museum in the opposite direction.
Detective Chief Inspector Graham McMillan, the senior investigating officer, said: "The body parts have been removed from the beach and a post mortem will be undertaken today, along with further forensic and pathological investigation.
"Clearly we are anxious to identify the deceased at the earliest opportunity. But I think it is fair to say that this investigation is in its infancy and it will take several days before we have forensic test results that could shed further light on the enquiry."
Tayside Police attended the scene shortly after 10.30 a.m. yesterday following the discovery.
Officers remain in close contact with the girls' family and specialist officers will be speaking with the children again today.
As well as the continuing search in the immediate area, a HOLMES (Home Office Large and Major Crime Enquiry System) team has been established to assist the investigation.
At this stage, the deceased does not match any missing persons from within the Tayside Police force area and enquiries are continuing to try 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. Alternatively they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
