Toronto police dig up drainpipe on property where accused serial killer Bruce McArthur worked

Toronto police are digging up the main drainpipe in front of a property where alleged serial killer BruceMcArthurworked and stored landscaping equipment.

The digging for potential evidence started late Tuesday afternoon. The pipe isnear aresidenceon Mallory Crescent, nearBayviewandMoores avenues, in midtown neighbourhood of Leaside.

MeaghanGray, spokesperson for Toronto police, said investigators are working with the city to search the drain.

"We are doing so to search for any evidence that may further the investigation," Gray said in an email to CBC Toronto.

Police have found the remains of at least six people in planters on the property.

"It's our final step at the property for now. Checking the drains for any evidence is fairly standard," Det.-Sgt. Hank Idsinga, the lead investigator in the case, said in an email earlierTuesday.

McArthur, 66, is charged with five counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of five men: Selim Esen, 44, Soroush Mahmudi, 50, Dean Lisowick, either 43 or 44, Andrew Kinsman, 49, and Majeed Kayhan, 58.

Earlier Tuesday, policesaidthey did not find additional human remains in the property's backyard.Police crews have been digging in the backyard since last Friday.

Idsinga saidcrews are wrapping up their excavationat the property and the focus of forensic teams will return to the 15 planters that have been seized from various locations.

"We will have a second run at some of the properties with the dogs once the ground thaws," he said.

Idsinga confirmed more planters were removed from the property Tuesday "out of an abundance of caution."

McArthur, who was arrested by policein January,is due to appear in a Toronto courtroom via video link on Wednesday.

Idsingasaid a second location is on hold untilsome tests are done at Ontario'sCentre of Forensic Sciences in Toronto.

The second location is considered a potential site for excavation, according to Gray.

Gray said investigators are also reviewing outstanding missing persons cases and sorting through tips received from the public.

On Monday evening, members of more than a dozen different faiths gathered at the Metropolitan United Church toremember the five men alleged to have been killed by McArthur.