Police say human remains found near a dirt road in St. John's are likely those of a couple who disappeared 13 years ago.

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary suspects the bodies are those of Dale Worthman and Kimberley Lockyer, who have been believed victims of foul play ever since they vanished from their St. Phillip's apartment in August 1993.

Earlier this month, the investigation led to the discovery of human bones buried near a dirt road off Thorburn Road.

Acting Insp. June Layden said an autopsy still needs to be carried out to positively identify the remains of an adult male and an adult female, but said the bones likely belong to Worthman and Lockyer.

"This is the only known case that we have of two adult — male and female — individuals who are missing," said Layden.

"It is a reasonable assumption, at this time, that it is likely that this is Dale Worthman and Kimberly Lockyer.

Police have spoken to the Lockyer and Worthman families, she added. 

Although the bones have been removed from the site and taken to the chief medical examiner's office, Layden said police are still combing the area for additional clues.

"Our officers will be searching the immediate burial site, as well as the surrounding area, so that we can be sure that we've recovered all possible evidence," she said.

Since the discovery of the bones on July 16, tips have been pouring in from the public, Layden said. A team of investigators is now following up on all those leads.

The medical examiner's office will use dental records and DNA to positively identify the bodies, and autopsies will be carried out to try to determine exactly how the pair died.