Apparent human remains found in school chimney in New York City

Possible human remains were found in a chimney at a New York City school Tuesday.

The disturbing discovery came after a custodian at the school in Queens called an exterminator about a foul odor.

The custodian thought it might be due to pests, but the exterminator found a shoe and then the remains, WABC reported.

It's unclear how long the remains had been at P.S./I.S. 113 Anthony J. Pranzo or how they got there. Approximately 750 students in prekindergarten through eighth grade attend the school.

Police are investigating and city medical examiners are set to determine what caused the death.

The City Department of Education called the discovery "deeply upsetting and concerning.”

No students were at the school at the time as Friday was the last day of school and the building is closed for construction this summer.

City Buildings Department records show recent permits for wiring, hot water heating and other work.

A call to the school rang unanswered Tuesday.