Police officers in Astana, Kazakhstan, have launched an investigation after fetal remains were discovered in the sewer system of a hotel.

The incident first came to public attention through social media posts, with local residents claiming the hotel is located in a building adjoining a residential complex. According to those reports, a female guest gave birth in a hotel room before the fetal remains were later found in the building's sewage system, The Caspian Post reports via Gazeta.ru.

Kazakhstan's police have since confirmed that fetal remains were found at the hotel.

A 29-year-old woman has been detained, and a pre-trial investigation is underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.