Monday afternoon was a typical summer day in Ballina’s popular Fawcett Park, with families enjoying late lunches beside the Richmond River.

The normally calm setting was suddenly disrupted when a woman screamed in distress, drawing the attention of people nearby.

Paramedics attended and a woman was taken to hospital following what police described as a mental health incident.

Soon after, police were called to a nearby location along the riverbank following reports that possible human remains had been found.

Word spread quickly through the busy waterfront precinct, with speculation linking the two incidents.

Police have since ruled out any connection, confirming the welfare incident at the park and the river discovery were unrelated.

Police say human remains located on the Richmond River bank on February 16 remain under forensic examination, with only limited information released so far.

The lack of detail has fuelled online discussion as residents try to understand what unfolded along the busy riverfront.

Forensic examination under way

Former detective sergeant and Ballina deputy mayor Damian Loone said the next steps would centre on careful forensic work.

“Depending on what it is, any body parts or a body that has been in the water for some time will go to a morgue,” Mr Loone said.

“A pathologist will then carry out as much examination as they can, including a post-mortem, and take DNA samples.”

“If there are missing people in the area and relatives have provided their DNA, that can be compared with the deceased or with any body parts recovered from the river so they can identify that person.”

Mr Loone said remains found in that part of the river would be more likely linked to a recent disappearance because of tidal movement from the bar into the Richmond River.

“I know police will fast-track this and try to find out as quickly as possible who it may be, or who it is,” he said.

He said investigators would focus on linking DNA to recent missing person reports and may contact family members to assist.

While speculation has referenced previous missing person cases in the area, there is no confirmation of any connection.

Mr Loone said, based on his investigative experience, remains located in that stretch of river were more likely to involve someone who disappeared fairly recently.

He said inquiries would likely examine incidents involving people reported missing while fishing or incidents involving vessels over recent months.

Community waits for clarity

The discovery has left many Ballina residents unsettled, particularly given the park’s popularity with families, visitors and people using the shared riverfront path.

Further details — including how long the remains may have been in the water and the person’s identity — are expected to depend on forensic results.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.