Mounties on Vancouver Island are urging caution after a young woman's charred remains were found on a hiking trail Friday night.
She was discovered by people walking along Galloping Goose Trail in Langford, a town located just west of Victoria, at around 7 p.m.
No arrests have been made, said Cpl. Gerry Suthe, and the public has been asked to take necessary precautions.
"We're advising the public at this point in time to be aware of their surroundings," Suthe said. "We'd just like to put the flags up for everybody to make sure maybe if they're walking they walk with another person."
Damage to the victim's body has impeded identifying her, police say, and investigators are now cross-referencing 29 missing person cases still outstanding in the area.
Anyone who may have seen, heard, or even smelled anything suspicious on the trail between Atkins Road and Wale Road on Thursday or Friday is asked to contact police immediately.
"There was a fire and that fire caused damage to the body. That piece of information is particularly sensitive, but it also may be important to someone who was a user of this trail and of the park area in triggering a memory for them," said Cpl. Darren Lagan.
"Regardless of how insignificant or small you think the information you have is, we ask that you please come forward."
The trail was closed off over the weekend but police say it will be reopened by Monday.
The West Shore RCMP detachment can be reached at 250-474-2264.
