HUMAN remains have been discovered in a burnt-out van on a “picturesque” road outside a Scottish village, sparking a police appeal.
Officers say the remains were found after reports of a vehicle on fire just after midday on Monday, June 24 outside the Ayrshire village of Newmilns.
Specifically, the van was in a layby on a single-track road between Priestland and Darvel in the Galston Moor area – known locally as Bonk Belt or Mast Walk.
Police said the human remains have not been formally identified and for now the death is being treated as “unexplained”.
Officers said their enquiries are at an early stage to establish the full circumstances.
Detective Inspector Craig Gilmour said: “At this stage of our investigation, it is unclear why the van was parked in this layby or how it came to be on fire. It is vital anyone with information comes forward.
“The area is very picturesque and popular with walkers and dog walkers, and it's thought a number of vehicles will have passed by the scene at the time.
“We are appealing for anyone who was in the area around midday on Monday and may have seen a white van parked in a layby, or a van on fire, to please get in touch.
“I would also ask if you heard any loud noises, or any motorists with dashcam footage which could be of significance, to please get in touch."
Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1615 of Monday, 24 June, 2024.
