Police have declared a crime scene on a popular walking trail west of Brisbane after the discovery of what is thought to be human bones.

A hiker notified police of the discovery at Middle Ridge in Toowoomba on Monday afternoon.

Authorities have requested the State Emergency Service assist investigators and forensic police with a search of the area.

Police are also reviewing missing persons reports.

“We’re looking at our records, there’ll be a detailed forensic examination conducted and also a large search of that area,” Assistant Commissioner Mark Kelly said.

Kelly said the remains had been only photographed at this stage and were not thought to be “very recent”.

Police have asked anyone with information to contact them.

– AAP