Pike River victims' families to be told news tonight

Bernie Monk embraces a supporter at a memorial service for his son Michael, one of the lost Pike River miners. Photo / Herald on Sunday

The heads of police and the Department of Conservation will deliver news in person today to the families of the 29 dead workers in the Pike River mine.

A briefing for media will be held at 6pm, after Police Commissioner Howard Broad and Department of Conservation director-general Al Morrison meet with the families at 5pm at Greymouth's Holy Trinity Church.

There is speculation there will be an announcement relating to the prospects of the remains of the workers being recovered from the mine, but police will not comment in advance of the family meeting.

The 29 workers remain in the underground West Coast coal mine after a series of explosions since November.

Families' spokesman Bernie Monk, who lost his son Michael in the mine, said he did not know what the families would be told. A meeting last night with mine rescue staff seemed to be positive about hopes of getting the mens' remains out, he said.

Lawrie Drew, who lost son Zen, said it came as a "blow" when he heard the police and DOC heads were coming down.

"I think something is up," he said.