Authorities in eastern Macedonia are investigating after the body of a woman was discovered in the village of Zrnovci, near the city of Kochani, in what police have described as a grim discovery.

The body was found near the Zrnovska River, and investigators have cordoned off the area as they work to establish the circumstances of the death. Police have not ruled out the possibility of a criminal event.

Forensic teams have been dispatched to the scene to gather evidence, and an autopsy is expected to be conducted to determine the cause of death. Investigators are working to establish the identity of the victim and reconstruct the events leading to the discovery.

Local residents expressed shock at the finding in their small community. Police have appealed for anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward. Further details are expected to be released as the investigation progresses, though officials have declined to speculate publicly about the nature of the case pending the completion of initial forensic examinations.