Human skeletal remains found near retail park in Stoke-on-Trent, police say

A member of the public has discovered human skeletal remains in woodland near a retail park in Stoke-on-Trent, police have said.

Officers were called to reports of the discovery on land near to Festival Park, Etruria, at around 3.40pm on Sunday afternoon.

Staffordshire Police said in a statement: "We can now confirm that the remains are human but at this time have not been formally identified."

The area is cordoned off as police examine the scene.

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Police said they wanted to assure locals that "although this is an unsettling discovery", there would be a "visible presence" in the area to investigate and listen to any concerns.

They added: "Anyone who may have relevant information can speak to officers, or contact us by calling 101, or via Live Chat on our website, quoting incident number 397 of 2 March."

(c) Sky News 2025: Human skeletal remains found near retail park in Stoke-on-Trent, police say