Human remains were discovered just blocks from pop star Taylor Swift’s Rhode Island mansion, sparking public concern over a possible serial killer in the New England region.

Police in Westerly responded early Wednesday to reports of possible human remains on Everett Avenue in the upscale Watch Hill neighbourhood. Upon arrival, officers located what appeared to be a human leg bone less than half a mile from Swift’s oceanfront estate. The remains were recovered and sent to the Rhode Island Medical Examiner’s Office for analysis.

Representatives for Taylor Swift, who owns a high-profile mansion in the area, have yet to comment on the incident.

According to Page Six, the Westerly Police Department’s Detective Division has taken charge of the investigation. Though authorities have stated that no foul play is suspected at this time, many locals remain uneasy.

Westerly resident Taylor Day, who drove by as police secured the scene, expressed her alarm. “It’s just something very out of the ordinary for Westerly,” she told NBC10. “I would never expect anything like that, especially not in Watch Hill.” She added, “Finding a leg is very suspicious.”

This case comes amid several similar discoveries across multiple Northeastern states in recent months. Authorities have found several bodies or human remains, many of them women, which has led to growing speculation about a possible serial killer operating in the region.

Despite growing public concern, law enforcement continues to downplay any connections between the cases and maintains that there is no known threat to public safety.

Residents say these events have changed their sense of safety. “I’m more aware of my surroundings. I don’t go places that are kind of dim or where I could be alone,” said Day. “Just trying to stay out in public and be vigilant.”