POLICE have confirmed the results of a post-mortem on human remains found in Kempsey are of a woman.

The bones were found at the bottom of a septic tank by a workman, who reported the grim discovery to police.

Officers has previously said the remains could belong to a woman who went missing in 1982 - named locally as Brenda Venables.

READ MORE: Do human bones found in Kempsey belong to Brenda Venables?

Detective Chief Inspector Carl Moore said: "We can confirm that we have now received the post-mortem report in relation to the human remains found in Kempsey, Worcestershire, on Friday 12 July.

"The results enable us to confirm that the bones discovered are that of an adult female.

"The bones will now be forensically tested to try to obtain DNA for identification purposes.

"We are aware this is concerning for the community of Kempsey, the wider Worcestershire area and for those with missing family or friends.

"There is a lot of speculation surrounding the remains. These types of discoveries are rare and I would like to reassure people that we are doing our utmost to identify the remains - so that a family can have closure and lay their loved one to rest.

"Unfortunately, this can be a lengthy process but we are committed to identifying who this is and will update the community in due course."

READ MORE: Human remains were found at bottom of septic tank in Kempsey