Ann Marie Shirran, a mother of one, was last seen alive in July. Her remains were found by campers Thursday. Ann Marie Shirran, a mother of one, was last seen alive in July. Her remains were found by campers Thursday. (Royal Newfoundland Constabulary)

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary confirmed Sunday evening that human remains found in a wooded area last week are those of a woman who went missing in July.

"The RNC can confirm that the human remains are those of Ann Marie Shirran. Foul play is suspected," Const. Jennifer Clarke said in a statement.

Shirran, 32, was last seen alive on July 18 at her home in the Kilbride area of St. John's.

Subsequent ground, air and marine searches could not locate Shirran, a young mother whom friends described as devoted to her one-year-old child.

On Friday, the RCMP had announced that campers staying near Cappahayden, about 100 kilometres south of St. John's, had found human remains the day before. The RCMP had initially described the remains as skeletal, but later backed away from the description.

The RCMP called in forensics experts from the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary on Friday.

Clarke said investigators are continuing to work at the scene, assisted by forensic anthropologists from Memorial University and the office of the chief medical examiner.