Police have uncovered human remains in a shallow grave at Nelligen, west of Batemans Bay.

For more local news and photos grab a copy of the Bay Post or Moruya Examiner.

The identity of the victim, discovered in the Currowan State Forest earlier this week, remains a mystery and police are now appealing for public help.

As a result of an earlier investigation, police from the Far South Coast Local Area Command at Batemans Bay, together with officers from a number of specialist units and State Emergency Service personnel, conducted a search of dense bushland within the Currowan State Forest on Monday.

Around 9.30am that day, police, using cadaver dogs, discovered a gravesite near McCardys Creek Road.

The crime scene was immediately secured and an investigation launched.

On Tuesday, Forensic Services Group personnel from Goulburn and Wollongong began exhuming the body and collecting evidence at the scene.

Tests are underway to formally identify the remains, which are believed to be the decomposed body of an adult.

Police have carried out a major search of the forest and nearby roads over the past few days and investigations are continuing.

They were still at the scene yesterday afternoon, working to secure the site. They have appealed for people to stay clear of the crime scene.

Locals at Nelligen’s Steampacket Hotel late yesterday afternoon were shocked to hear of the discovery, saying they hadn’t heard of anyone going missing from the small village.

“If it was someone local, we would have known,” one regular said.

“You don’t think anything like that would happen in your own backyard,” another added.

“It’s like Melbourne’s Underbelly has come to town.”

Police went public with the discovery of the remains late yesterday afternoon in a bid to elicit further information.

Anyone who knows anything about the matter is urged to contact Batemans Bay Police on 4472 0099 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.