Human remains were found inside the chimney of a school in New York City on Tuesday, while the building had been closed to students and staff a few days prior. Police were called to the scene at P.S./I.S. 113 Anthony J. Pranzo in Queens, NY, at around 8.59am local time (1.59pm BST) on Tuesday, June 30.

According to a NYPD spokesperson, there was a call made to the 911 emergency number for "possible human remains" discovered "in the vicinity" of the school, reports People. The spokesperson said: "Upon arrival, officers were informed possible human remains had been discovered inside a chimney." He added that there "were no students or school staff inside the building at the time of the discovery."

The classes for 2025-2026 ended on June 26, as per the official school calender.

Calling it a "deeply upsetting", the N.Y.C. Public Schools said in a statement: "This discovery is deeply upsetting and concerning, and we are making sure the right supports are in place for the entire school community while NYPD investigates."

"There were no students present this morning as the building is closed this summer for construction."

According to the reports, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death as the investigation continues. The remains have yet to be identified.