Police in Dundee have launched a major investigation at a flat in the Douglas area.
Officers began searching a property on Balunie Avenue on Monday in relation to what police are calling “incidents of a historical nature”.
It is understood the inquiries concern incidents dating back at least 20 years.
Forensic investigations are under way and police have warned the probe could go on for some time, with more properties likely to come under investigation.
A blue forensic tent was put up at the rear of the property. Items including mattresses and floorboards have been removed from the flat and loaded into a van.
Marked police cars were parked in the street along with a recovery van, and uniformed officers have carried out door-to-door inquiries.
Residents have watched the operation being carried out on their doorsteps.
One neighbour said: “It was on Monday when the police van and cars came and it’s been constant since then. I haven’t got a clue what’s going on.”
Another man said: “The police have been there a lot, every day since Monday. They came up and asked a few questions.”
Another neighbour said: “That’s three full days the police have been here. One Monday two police cars and a van turned up first thing in the morning.
“About 10 officers got out the van and there were police searching the flat all day.
“On Tuesday they were emptying loads of stuff from the flat and taking it away in plastic bags.
“A mattress and floorboards were removed and there were police carrying boxes out too.
“Everything was put into a big red van. It calmed down a wee bit after then but there has been a police car outside every night since Monday.”
One woman said that a policeman was stationed at the back garden of the flat by the tent and she said she had also seen a woman in a white suit and mask.
Neighbours said it was the first time they had heard of such an investigation going on in the area.
One woman said: “I just saw the police cars on Monday but I’ve never heard of something like this in Douglas and I’ve been here 40-odd years.”
Another neighbour said: “The police are just saying it’s a serious incident. They were asking how long have I lived here and who lived there.
“They’ve been lifting floor boards and there’s a tent up there. It’s just a bit weird. There’s a police car sits there at night.”
A spokesman for Tayside Police said the force had “enforced a warrant in the Douglas area of Dundee on Monday in relation to incidents of a historical nature.
“Investigations are at a very early stage and it is anticipated that they will be ongoing for some time. During the course of the inquiry one or more addresses may become of interest to Tayside Police.
“Inquiries, including forensic examination and door to door inquiries, will be carried out as appropriate.
“No one has been arrested or charged at this time. As stated, inquiries are at a very early stage, and it is not appropriate to comment further at this time.”