Desperate search for a missing man comes to a gruesome end with human remains discovered in a bunker underneath a farm shed

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A murder investigation is underway after human remains were discovered inside a bunker at a rural property during a search for a missing man.

South Australia Police, who were searching for Steve Murphy, 38, found the remains in a hole at a Kudla property in Adelaide's northern outskirts on Tuesday.

The grisly discovery came after detectives received a tip off in relation to the disappearance of Mr Murphy several week prior.

Police believe the body could have been in the bunker for about six weeks, which is when Mr Murphy was reported missing. 

Major Crime Investigation Branch Detective Inspector Mark McEachern said detectives were unable to confirm if the remains are in fact Mr Murphy. 

The grisly discovery came after detectives received a tip off in relation to the disappearance of Mr Murphy several week prior

A murder investigation has been launched after police discovered human remains inside a hole on a property in Kudla in Adelaide's north 

'There's a possibility that it is Mr Murphy but we're not in a position to confirm at this stage...we're open-minded as well to the fact it could be another person,' he told reporters.

'We'd be hoping (to identify the remains) within days. We've spoken to Mr Murphys relatives and advised them there's been a development, but we can't confirm to them that it is actually Steven.'

Inspector McEachern said the bunker was man-made and about 20m by 15m and several metres deep.  

The location was drained of water before excavators were brought in to dig up the hole beneath the bunker, which was where the remains were found. 

Inspector McEachern said it could take several hours to remove the remains.

Police conducted a two-day search of the property before finding the body. 

No charges have been made in relation to the discovery.  

Steven Murphy (pictured), 38, was last seen at Kudla on February 15. Detectives have not been able to confirm if the remains are Mr Murphy

Detective Inspector Mark McEachern (pictured) said police were hoping to identify the body within days

Keith Yandle, 46, who lives at the property, was charged with drug and weapon offences on Sunday night shortly after the search began.

His arrest came when police allegedly found 20 cannabis plants in a back shed, along with a .22 calibre rifle and ammunition that was not secured. 

Mr Yandle fronted Elizabeth Magistrates Court on Monday via video link and was denied bail.

He was remanded in custody and will appear in court again later this month.

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