POLICE may still be some time away from establishing the cause of death of Heather Stacey, whose remains including her severed head were found nearly a mile apart in Edinburgh.

POLICE may still be some time away from establishing the cause of death of Heather Stacey, whose remains including her severed head were found nearly a mile apart in Edinburgh.

A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police said last night that the investigation is not a murder inquiry at this stage as tests continue to find out how she died.

The skull of the 44-year-old was found in a blue Ikea shopping bag at Hawthornvale, Newhaven, on December 31.

Police revealed on Sunday that they had discovered further remains near West Granton Road and Granton View in the city, some distance from the original find by a dog-walker.

Other carrier bags discovered later at the original scene contained more bones and "various materials" about which police have not given any more information.

It is understood that the Edinburgh woman had not been reported missing. Detectives believe that she died within the last two years.

One report suggested Ms Stacey was a mother-of-two who was estranged from her partner and that he has custody of the children.

A police spokesman said: "At this time we would like to reiterate our appeal for anyone who knew her to contact police as soon as possible."

A 54-year-old man appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Friday in connection with the initial discovery of the remains at Hawthornvale.

Alan Cameron, 54, was charged with attempting to defeat the ends of justice and breach of the peace.

He made no plea or declaration and was remanded in custody.