LEXINGTON, Ky. — Authorities in Memphis are investigating the discovery of unidentified remains belonging to three children, believed to be between 3 and 7 years old, that may have been in a wooded area for years, according to LEX 18 News.

Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn CJ Davis announced the discovery at a Wednesday news conference. A skull was initially found near a wooded area on March 8 by someone walking their dog, who reported it to police. The discovery prompted authorities to conduct extensive searches over the following weeks. A K-9 cadaver dog later led investigators to a drainage pipe, which was searched by camera. On April 1, investigators discovered a second skull in the drainage system, Davis said. The following day, search teams found an additional 14 bones in the area.

About 170 personnel from various agencies, including the FBI and search and rescue teams, were deployed to the area Wednesday to search for additional evidence that could help identify the deceased children. Police said they hoped to conclude the active search phase of the investigation at that specific crime scene location Wednesday evening.

The cause of death remains undetermined, and authorities have not yet identified the children. Davis said the deceased were not reported missing in the Memphis area, suggesting the cases may involve children from outside the region or families who did not report them missing.

"Someone knows of missing children that we have discovered in this area," Davis said during the announcement. "This is heartbreaking, it's disturbing and at this time we have numerous resources to help us to identify these young people and bring closure to this investigation."

Police said they have determined there is no active threat to the public. Investigators are requesting information from the public that could help identify the children and determine the circumstances of their deaths. The case remains ongoing as forensic experts work to extract DNA and other identifying information from the remains.