Police investigating after human remains found on NSW beach

A human leg has been found on a beach just south of Coffs Harbour on the NSW Mid North Coast.

Police were called to North Beach at Mylestom about 2pm after someone found skeletal remains including a femur and tibia and foot bones which were enclosed in what appeared to be a black diving boot.

Officers close to the investigation say the most likely scenario is that a swimmer, surfer or diver has died as a result of a shark attack.

They are now sifting through recent missing person reports and checking registries to see if there is a possible match.

Forensics took photographs on the beach but police removed the bones as the tide edged closer to where the remains were about 5pm.

The bones will be forensically examined but it is not known how long the bones have been on the beach, how old they are or where they have come from.

Police say the leg could have floated hundreds of kilometres so their investigations will reach far north and south of where the bones were found.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.