MASSILLON, Ohio– Investigators discovered a body in the backyard of a Massillon house, where three children were removed last week.

Massillon police and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation started searching around the home on 8th Street Southwest on Thursday.

The Stark County Coroner’s Office said a large, plastic container was removed from yard. It appears there may be human remains encased in concrete in the storage box.

The container, which measures about 3.5 feet by 2.5 feet, was locked. The coroner’s office said it appears someone used a small excavator about a year ago to dig the hole about 6 feet down.

According to police, officers were following up on a case involving a man who’s been missing since summer. They received a tip the missing man was last seen at this house.

Massillon police went to the same house on Jan. 23 to serve an arrest warrant. While at the house, officers noticed three children under the age of 3 who appeared to be neglected. According to the police report, the children were abused, and the living conditions were unsafe and unsanitary.

Stark County Job and Family Services removed all three.

Police also found an extremely malnourished dog in the basement. The humane society removed the animal, which had open wounds.