Remains found on a popular Melbourne beach are animal, not human.

A passer-by spotted the parts, reportedly a heart, lung and windpipe, at the water’s edge near the St Kilda pier and called authorities about 1.45pm on Monday.

The remains were taken to the coroner’s court for forensic examination, to identify whether they were human or not.

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Victoria Police later said they were animal remains.

“Pathologists have examined remains found at St Kilda beach this afternoon and have concluded they are animal, not human,” a post on social media said.

Witness Mike Cheikho said he noticed the remains after spotting seagulls pecking at something on the ground.

“As we approached, it was very obvious that it was something that wasn’t supposed to be there,” he told the Nine Network.

“And to me, it was very obvious that it was body parts, internal body parts.”