Human remains have been discovered by a member of the public in a woodland near the Festival Retail Park.
Staffordshire Police said in a statement today: "We can now confirm that the remains are human but at this time have not been formally identified.
"A scene is in place while investigators examine the scene.
"We want to assure the local community that although this is an unsettling discovery, we have a visible presence in the area to investigate, provide reassurance and to listen to any concerns.
"Anyone who may have relevant information can speak to officers, or contact us by calling 101, or via Live Chat on our website, quoting incident number 397 of 2 March."
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