Detectives say the remains were discovered near a path leading down to a beach in Boscombe, Dorset, last Saturday.

A murder investigation has been launched, while the remains have been identified as those of a 49-year-old man from Bournemouth.

Police have not released the man's name.

Officers were called to the scene around 1.10pm on Saturday 26 August following the discovery of the remains by a member of the public.

They were located near the Manor Steps Zig Zag, a path leading to the beach, off the cliff top at Boscombe Overcliff Drive.

Detective Inspector Neil Third, of Dorset Police's Major Crime Investigation Team, said: "We are treating this as a murder investigation and our enquiries are ongoing to establish the identity of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding their death.

"I am appealing to anyone with any information regarding this matter, or who has seen any suspicious activity around the area of the Manor Steps Zig Zag in Boscombe in recent days, to please inform police."

DI Third said there would be an increased police presence in the area.