Human remains have been discovered in the rural Cooks Mills area of Welland.

On Sunday at about 4:45 p.m., Niagara Regional Police were contacted by a member of the public who made the discovery at the edge of Schisler Road between Darby and Moyer roads.

Const. Phil Gavin said the matter remains under investigation with involvement of police detectives, the forensics unit and the coroner.

Police continued to protect the scene Monday afternoon.

The identity of the deceased is unknown. The cause of death is also part of the investigation, said Gavin.

Officers were expected to be in the area conducting ground searches most of Monday.

Further information will be released "when appropriate to the investigation," Gavin said.