Police investigating after burnt human remains found in Pickering

Durham police are investigating after burnt human remains were discovered in a shallow grave in a rural area of Pickering.

Officers were called to the area of Concession Road 8 and Sideline 20 around 2:30 p.m. after a citizen located the remains.

Forensic investigators were called into assist and are working with the Chief Coroner and a forensic anthropologist to recover the remains.

A post-mortem is expected to be conducted to determine more details about the deceased. “We don’t have any information right now on age or gender,” said spokesperson Sgt. Joanne Bortoluss.

Police are currently looking for witnesses who may have used the off-road/ATV trail in the area.

“The ATV trail behind me is a popular trail for this area,” said Sgt. Bortoluss. “The homicide unit is taking over this investigation and right now, they’re requesting that anyone that’s been on this trail within the last three weeks
to contact them.”