UPDATE: Human remains found on aircraft wreckage recovered from sea

Police have launched an investigation after wreckage of a small aircraft with human remains was discovered by a fishing boat.

The Peterhead trawler Barnakle II made the discovery on Friday and was met by police teams as she arrived at Gremista today (Sunday).

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Police received a report of a small aircraft having been recovered from the water in the North Sea, north-east of Lerwick, around 2.20pm on Friday..

“The aircraft was brought to shore on Sunday and human remains were found within. Enquiries are ongoing.”

Last October a search operation was launched between Norway and Shetland after a light aircraft lost contact over the North Sea.

The plane had taken off from Germany with one person on board.

The aircraft was believed to have been in the UK search and rescue region. A fixed-wing aircraft was sent to investigate the North Sea area between Shetland and Norway.

HM Coastguard said at the time there was no sign of the plane and the search was stood down.