POLICE and scientific experts remain at the scene outside Gosford House this afternoon (Tuesday) as they work to identify human remains found on Sunday evening.

Officers confirmed the remains had been found by a cyclist who contacted police after making the grim roadside discovery around 6.30pm.

A tent has been put up covering an area on the Gosford Estate side of the road.

The A198 remains closed on the outskirts of Longniddry as teams of specialists work to gather evidence and recover the remains.

Detective Superintendent Pat Campbell said: "We are consulting with a number of experts to ensure that the remains are recovered in a sensitive and careful manner and no evidence that helps us to establish what happened is damaged or missed.

"I understand the anxiety of those who may be waiting for news of a missing loved one, but whilst the identity of the remains is unknown we cannot speculate.

"I want to again reassure the public that when we have new information we will act upon it and inform the next of kin of any person who is relevant to the investigation; this has been taking place and updates have been given.

"The death is being treated as unexplained and once the remains are recovered, there will be significant, detailed forensic analysis required to establish the cause of death and whether any crime has been committed."

Earlier today, it was revealed that the family of missing Edinburgh mother Louise Tiffney had been contacted by police in relation to the discovery.

READ MORE: Police contact missing mum's family after grim discovery

Chief Inspector Matt Paden, local area commander for East Lothian, said: "The discovery at the weekend has caused both curiosity and concern and my officers are available to speak to in the area, carrying out additional patrols.

"We are supporting the specialist teams involved in the recovery and the investigation, and we are committed to returning the area to normal as soon as our inquiries have finished.

"Local diversions are currently in place and we have been liaising with transport partners to ensure people can go about their daily business. I'm very grateful for the support we have received from the local community and from the Gosford Estate."