Tayside Police has cordoned off a section of beach at Arbroath in Angus today (Tuesday, April 1, 2008) after the apparent discovery of human body parts.

Officers attended at a stretch of foreshore near to South Street shortly after 10.30am after the grim discovery was made by children playing on the beach.

They found what appears to be the head of a woman concealed in a plastic bag. A hand has also been recovered from the beach.

It is understood that they belong to a woman.

Scenes of crime officers are in attendance and an extensive search of the beach front is continuing at this time. The items are being removed and will be subject to further detailed forensic examination.

A HOLMES (Home Office Large and Major Crime Enquiry System) team is also being established to assist the investigation.

Efforts are also underway to try and establish the identity of the deceased. This will include contacting other police forces to establish if the discovery relates to any current missing persons.

Anyone who has any information that could assist enquiries should call Tayside Police immediately on Forfar (01307) 302200.