Remains have been found in bushland during a large-scale search in northern Tasmania for missing teenager Shyanne-Lee Tatnell.

Police on Wednesday launched a fresh search near Nabowla about 50 kilometres north-east of Launceston, where the 14-year-old was last seen on the night of April 30.

The remains, which are yet to be confirmed, were discovered late on Wednesday afternoon.

“It is with a heavy heart that I can confirm that remains were located … during our extensive search,” Northern District Commander Kate Chambers said.

“While these have not yet been forensically confirmed, they are believed to be human remains.”

A crime scene has been declared at a property in nearby Scottsdale, as well as the scene near Nabowla, and extensive forensic examinations are being conducted.

“Police are following a specific line of inquiry, however, no charges have been laid at this stage,” Commander Chambers said.

“We have been in regular contact with Shyanne-Lee’s family throughout the investigative process, and have notified them about this latest development.

“Our thoughts continue to be with them and Shyanne-Lee’s loved ones during this difficult time.”

About 160 police and state emergency service personnel were deployed to search 50 square kilometres of bushland on Wednesday morning.

The operation, the largest of its kind in Tasmania’s north, was slated to continue into Friday.

Earlier on Wednesday, detective acting inspector Andrew Hanson said police were acting following their inquiries and information obtained from the public.

“All the inquiries we have done to date … all leads us down certain pathways,” he said.

“This is one of those.

“From the start, there is always the possibility that there is a criminal element to this investigation.

“That is one of the avenues we’re exploring.”

A specialist cadaver dog was used to search the North Esk River, near a bridge where Shyanne-Lee went missing and where initial efforts were focused.

She was last seen wearing bike shorts and a cream hoodie with dark writing across the chest and shoulder.

She is described as about 160cm tall with a slim build and blonde hair.

She had been staying in youth accommodation for the two weeks before her disappearance and was on her way to visit a friend in nearby Ravenswood.