A POLICE scene is in place after the discovery of what could be human body parts.

Officers were called to Poplar Avenue, Horwich, this afternoon and a cordon is in place.

Investigations are in their early stages and police stress they are not ruling out that the discovery could be that of  animal remains ­— and that they are keeping an open mind.

In a statement police said: "Shortly before 4pm today, officers were called to reports of possible body parts having been found near to Poplar Avenue, Bolton

"Officers and forensics experts have so far been unable to confirm the origin of the discovery, but we cannot rule out that they are possibly those of an animal and are keeping an open mind as further expert opinion into the matter is sought from pathologists.

"A scene remains in place at the location as enquiries continue."

One local told The Bolton News: "There are CSI vans, large police presence searching the area and a taped off crime scene on Poplar Avenue in Horwich. They are moving people away but not saying what it is about." 

The grim discovery comes just weeks after a human skull was found in woodland near the old Egerton House Hotel.