Byron couple recount their discovery of human remains in Ballina’s Richmond River

A Byron Bay couple have spoken about discovering human remains near the Richmond River in Ballina earlier this week, as police continue forensic inquiries.

The couple said they were fishing along the river near central Ballina on Monday afternoon when they made the discovery.

“I looked down and right on the rocks next to the water, there was just this body on the ground,” the man said.

“Upon first glance, I don’t think we wanted to believe it was a body.”

The couple, who have chosen to remain anonymous, are both in their early twenties.

The couple said police were already nearby attending an unrelated incident and were notified immediately.

Police later established a crime scene and removed the remains for forensic examination.

The couple said they decided to speak publicly after seeing false information circulating online about the discovery.

“We can definitely say that these were not child remains,” the man said.

The pair said the experience had left them shaken.

The officer involved provided the couple with details for a counselling service following the incident.

Police have not released further information while forensic work continues.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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