Police investigation under way after human remains found in Wellington garden

A neighbour said he saw police teams digging the front yard of a property on Happy Valley Road after human remains were found in the garden. Photo / Ethan Manera

Police have launched an investigation after a Wellington homeowner uncovered human remains in their garden.

Detective Senior Sergeant Lee Underhill said the discovery was made at an address in Owhiro Bay on Sunday.

“The remains have been identified as human, and inquiries will look to determine how old these remains are, followed by a formal identification process, which may take some time,” Underhill said.

A police team was sent to the address yesterday afternoon. Locals say forensics staff could be seen digging in the front yard of a house on Happy Valley Road.

The Herald spoke to two neighbours on Tuesday who confirmed the address where the remains were found.

One said the house had recently been sold.

A neighbour said he saw police teams digging the front yard of a property on Happy Valley Road after human remains were found in the garden. Photo / Ethan Manera

Underhill encouraged anyone with information to contact police via 105, using reference file number 250622/3189.