Police called to bones find on Papamoa Beach

A fence is exposed by eroded dunes at Papamoa East beach. Photo / Samuel Preest

Suspected human bones found on Papamoa Beach have been identified as a sheep.

A woman called police at 9.51am to say she had found what she believed were human bones in the dunes between Parton Rd and Kirkpatrick Place, a police spokeswoman said

Officers were sent to the beach to have a look.

They identified the bones as belonging to a sheep.

The spokeswoman said police were glad the woman had called it in, and police always appreciated help from the public.

She said bones found in dunes often turned out to be those of an animal.

Large sections of Papamoa dunes were carved out by last weekend's king tide and strong winds, exposing old paths and fences in some areas.

An old beach access ramp uncovered in the dunes. Photo / Samuel Preest