Vancouver human remains could be linked to Lin killing

Staff opening the mail at two Vancouver elementary schools Tuesday discovered a human hand and a human foot, prompting immediate speculationbut no confirmation that the ghastly deliveries wererelated to suspected killer Luka Rocco Magnotta.

The body parts arrived about an hour apart at two schools, a waterfront public school near Vancouver's popular Granville Island and a posh private boys school in the city's west side.

Vancouver police Deputy Chief Warren Lemcke told reporters Tuesday afternoon a package containing what appeared to be a human hand was opened by a staff member at False Creek Elementary School just after 1 p.m. PT.

He said another package containing what appeared to be a human foot was found by staff members at St. George's School, a private boys school, later in the afternoon.

"The remains will be examined by the coroner and there's no indication of an identity at this stage of the investigation," he said. "The investigation will centre on identifying of the victim and from where the packages were mailed."

He said it's not yet clear if the packages were sent via mail or courier.

Montreal police contacted

He said Vancouver policehave spoken with police in Montreal, but it's not clear if the packages are linked to alleged killer Luka Rocco Magnotta, who is awaiting extradition from Germany inconnection with the killing of university student Jun Lin.

"The investigation is only a few hours old now, so I can't link it to anything right now," Lemcke said. "We have liaised with Montreal and we'll liaise with any other police agencies that we need to in the course of the investigation."

One of Lin's hands, a foot and his head are still missing.

Last week, body parts were mailed to the headquarters of the federal Liberal and Conservative parties.

The two Vancouver schools are currently cordoned off as forensic examinations continue at each location. There is no indication that any students and staff have been targeted at either school.

Vancouver School Board chair Patti Bacchus said late Tuesday thatFalse Creek Elementary would be open for classes Wednesday and that counsellors would be available in coming days to support students and staff at the school.