Tests still be carried out on human remains found near creek
Police are still carrying out forensic tests on human remains found near a creek at Port Douglas, but "strongly" believe they are those of missing woman Anne Cameron, 79.
Ms Cameron, who was a resident at a local nursing home, has been missing since October 9, with Acting Inspector Ed Lukin saying there are no other missing persons reported in the Port Douglas area.
"We strongly suspect there was a croc attack given the location of the personal items and the human remains close to a watercourse at the bottom end of Four Mile Beach," he said.
The area where the items were found is isolated and near a creek well off the beach.
"The family is devastated and has asked that their privacy be respected at this time," he said.
"Police have been in regular contact with the family."
While SES searches in the area are being scaled back, officers from the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection is conducting air, water and land-based surveys to try to identify a "target" animal that could be responsible for the fatal attack.
Although a crocodile had been captured in the area recently, it was released after examination and EHP Director of Wildlife Operations Michael Joyce said two boats had been conducting surveys in the area and another two were due to join the search today.
"There is a healthy croc population in the area," he said.
"We have not identified a target animal at this stage but when we do that will inform our next course of action.
"As always, people should be croc wise in croc country."
