Burned human remains found on Motherwell football pitch were male

Police have revealed that the burned human remains found on a football pitch in Motherwell today were of a man.

We told how the chilling discovery was made by a dog walker at around 9am this morning on the pitch behind Margaret Drive in the Lanarkshire town.

Emergency crews raced to the scene, with police launching a probe into the incident which they currently regard as 'unexplained'.

The sex of the body had previously been unknown. A cordon was erected as forensic officers carried out their work.

In a statement released this evening by Police Scotland Lanarkshire, the force said anyone requiring support in the area can speak with them.

The statement reads: "Around 9am on Saturday, 24 February, 2024 the body of a man was discovered in the Margaret Drive area of Motherwell.

"His death is being treated as unexplained and enquiries are at an early stage to establish the full circumstances.

"Officers remain at the scene and anyone with information or concerns can speak to them. Alternatively, call 101 quoting reference 0923 of 24 February.

Shocked neighbours told the Record of their fears in the usually quiet neighbourhood.

One said: "We had no idea what had happened. We heard the police and fire brigade arrive at the scene around 9am.

"It's so sad. This is a quiet area. It's quite a shock."

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