Specialist archaeologists were due to attend the scene on Tuesday May 26 to carry out detailed foren (Image: Nottinghamshire Live)
Police are continuing a major investigation after human skeletal remains were discovered in woodland near Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. The remains, believed to belong to a single individual, were found by members of the public in a wooded area beside the A617 Rainworth Bypass at approximately 2.45pm on Saturday May 23, 2026.
Officers from Nottinghamshire Police were called to the scene and immediately launched an inquiry. Detectives have been working around the clock over the bank holiday weekend to establish the circumstances surrounding the discovery. Specialist archaeologists were due to attend the scene on Tuesday, May 26, to carry out detailed forensic work and recover evidence.
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A cordon remains in place near the location, and it is expected to stay for several days while searches and examinations continue. Police have stressed there is no wider risk to the public.
Detective Inspector Stuart Barson, of Nottinghamshire Police, said the discovery was being treated with the “utmost seriousness”.
He said: “This discovery of human remains is being treated with the utmost seriousness, and a thorough investigation is being carried out.
“After the initial discovery on Saturday, officers have been working round the clock to establish the circumstances of who the remains belong to, and how they came to be at this location.
“I can confirm that we are pursuing a number of lines of inquiry, and there is no wider risk to the public.”
DI Barson added that formal identification of the individual had not yet been confirmed, but a dedicated team was working to establish their identity as quickly as possible.
He continued: “Whilst the identity of this person is yet to be formally established, the public can be assured that a dedicated team are working to confirm this as soon as possible.
“I would like to stress, though, that this process may take us some time yet and a scene will remain in place for a number of days while our work continues.”
The senior officer thanked the public for their patience and cooperation, while urging people not to speculate about the case as inquiries progress.
DI Barson said: “Whilst the investigation progresses, I’d like to thank the members of the public for their patience and assistance.
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“We hope to be in a position to provide further information as the inquiry progresses and in the meantime, I’d ask the public not to speculate.
“We will continue to provide updates when we have them.”
The discovery has prompted a significant police presence in the area, with officers focusing on gathering evidence from the woodland site. Forensic specialists are expected to play a key role in determining how long the remains had been in the location and any potential cause of death.
At this early stage, police have not released further details about the age, sex or possible identity of the individual. Investigations are ongoing to trace how the remains came to be in the secluded wooded spot next to the busy bypass route.
Local residents have been advised to avoid the cordoned area while recovery work takes place. Police have appealed for anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward.
The force confirmed that all appropriate specialist resources have been deployed to the scene. Further updates are expected in the coming days as forensic and archaeological work continues.