Ottawa police say they have finished their preliminary investigation into human remains found in a south Ottawa backyard.

Police said human remains were found Monday in the yard of the home on Heatherington Road, which neighbours said belonged to alleged serial killer Camille Cleroux.

The week of investigation and digging, which also wrapped up Friday, was happening at the same time as Cleroux was in a preliminary hearing to face three counts of first-degree murder.

That hearing has since been adjourned.

Police said the remains will be sent to the Centre for Forensic Science and Medicine in Toronto for assessment and identification, a process which could take weeks or even months.