Officers were called to the scene in Coxmoor Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield, just before 7pm on Wednesday.

A member of the public found what they suspected to be human remains and alerted police.

A no-fly zone is in place over the scene, including drones, while specialist officers carry out a full investigation.

A large cordon in the area is expected to remain for the next week, with officers being supported by scientists including an anthropologist - who specialises in the study of past and present human societies.

A picture released by the force shows a tent set up in the field where the remains were unearthed.

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Superintendent for the county, Claire Rukas, said the investigation was in the "very early stages".

"We are now carrying out extensive work to determine the identify of the individual and the circumstances surrounding their death," she said.

"The public can expect a large police presence in the area for the next few days.

"This will obviously be concerning news for local residents and as soon as we have more information we will be sharing this with the public."