Hunt for answers after grisly find at beach

SURF Coast residents say they are fearing the worst after suspected human remains were found on a surf beach at Anglesea, kilometres from where mum Elisa Curry vanished 11 days earlier.

Senior police involved in the search for the Melbourne mother locked down about 200m of beach between Point Roadknight and Urquharts Bluff after a woman walking her dog reported the grisly find, soon before noon yesterday.

While it remains unclear whether the cases are connected, police say the Victorian coroner will work to determine if the remains are those of Mrs Curry, who was last seen less than 10km away at her family’s Aireys Inlet holiday home on September 30.

Police spokeswoman Natalie Dean said forensic testing was under way.

“I can confirm police are responding to reports of suspected human remains located on the coast near Anglesea,” Leading Senior Constable Dean said.

“The remains will need to be examined by a pathologist to establish the identity of the person and the cause of death.

“Anyone who locates what they believe to be human remains on the beach is asked to leave them in place and call police.”

By 2.15pm the remains were removed as water police on jetskis and the force’s air wing joined the recovery search.

Locals and tourists said they feared the worst for Mrs Curry as police search and recovery officers scoured the region.

Longtime friends Clare, from Collingwood, and Renee, from Tasmania, had been staying near the Curry holiday home and said the story had captivated everyone.

“It’s been such a big topic here, it’s shaken the small town,” Clare said.

“Everyone walking around the town has been fearing the worst.

“I just hope there can be some closure that comes for the poor family.”

Anglesea resident Chris Evans said while the beach at the centre of yesterday’s find was abuzz with people on the weekend, it was typically a quiet and peaceful spot.

Walking with his children, Mr Evans said his family were all surprised to see such a large police presence.

“There was too many police there not to see them,” he said.

Others watched on from coastal vantage points along the Great Ocean Road as the search combed across kilometres of beach, seemingly desperate for answers.

Acting Senior Sergeant Matthew Henderson from the water police said his team planned to spend at least two hours on jet skis searching the surrounding coastline for any further clues.

Victoria Police Inspector Peter Seel, in charge of the search for Ms Curry, said on Monday investigations had been scaled back.

“The Crime Investigation Unit (is) taking a look at it. Making sure that we’ve covered everything, as far as all the information that was received,” Insp Seel said.

“Obviously there was a bit of info from the weekend, but I don’t think there was anything we didn’t already know.”

Anyone with information on the human remains or the missing mother are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

If you or someone you know are experiencing personal problems, contact Lifeline on 131 114.