Authorities in Tennessee have uncovered the remains of three young children after a human skull was found in a dense forested region of Memphis last month. This discovery was made following an anonymous tip-off, officials confirmed.

The investigation was initiated on March 8 when an unidentified caller informed the authorities about a skull they had found near a wooded area in Hickory Hill, located in the southwestern part of Memphis. Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis shared these details during a press briefing held on Wednesday.

Upon receiving the report, officers promptly located the skull at the forest’s edge. To ensure a comprehensive search, cadaver dogs were utilized over the ensuing days. Their expertise led investigators to a drainage pipe, hinting at the presence of additional remains.

On April 1, further investigation into the drainage system revealed another skull. The following day, search teams scouring the area uncovered 14 additional bones that appeared to be human, according to Chief Davis.

An initial examination by a medical examiner has confirmed that these remains belonged to three children, aged between 3 and 7, as reported by the police.

“Our priority is to conduct a meticulous and thorough search,” Davis stated during the press conference. This effort aims to gather further evidence that might help in identifying the deceased.

Investigators are still determining the children’s identities and the cause of death.

“We understand that this information is very difficult and deeply concerning to all of us. We want to reassure the public that there is no indication of any active threat at this time,” she added.

“Somebody knows where these children have come from. Someone knows the missing children that we have discovered in this area. It’s heartbreaking. It’s disturbing.”

Roughly 170 personnel are involved in the search of the crime scene, including federal agencies such as the FBI, she said.

An investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the police.