MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - A death investigation is underway in Miami Beach after human remains were discovered.

Miami Beach Police arrived at the scene on the 7900 block, near Collins Avenue, Tuesday afternoon.

The medical examiner was on the scene and removed the box with, what police said, is a fetus.

“Due to the elements, the location as to which it was discovered, there are a lot of unknowns at this point. Therefore, a medical assessment will better guide us as to how old the fetus was but based off of our observations, it does appear to be a fetus. It does not appear to have been birth but again, these are all speculation at this time,” said Miami Beach Police Department Ofc. Christopher Bess.

A beachgoer saw the remains in the sand and immediately called Ocean Rescue, who then contacted police.

7News cameras captured a box that was placed on top of the remains as a way to preserve as much evidence as possible.

Police said this is a unique investigation and at this point, they do not know the role the mother played in this incident, if any.

“We don’t know what the mother’s part, if she played a part in this, we don’t know if this was a possible miscarriage. There are a lot of unknowns,” said Bess.

Beachgoers reacted to the news.

“I think it’s horrible, it’s horrifying.” said one beachgoer.

“Yes, it’s shocking. I can’t believe it.” said another beachgoer.

It is unknown how long the remains were on the beach before being found.

An autopsy report will determine the age of the fetus and what may have happened.

Detectives are asking the public for help. If you have any information about this investigation, you are urged to call Miami Beach Police.

Please check back on WSVN.com and 7News for more details on this developing story.

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