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'More human remains' found in drought-hit lake near Las Vegas after body in barrel discovered

More human remains are reported to have been found at drought-hit Lake Mead near Las Vegas - a week after a body in a barrel was discovered, which police believe may be linked to the Mafia.

Reuters Water levels have declined to dramatic lows at Lake Mead in the US. File pic

Park rangers received a report that "human skeletal remains" had been found on Saturday at the reservoir, which is facing record-low water levels.

It comes a week after a barrel containing the body of a man who had been shot was revealed on a newly-exposed section of Lake Mead.

Police said the killing was thought to have happened between the mid-1970s and the early 1980s because the victim was wearing shoes manufactured during that period.

Investigators are considering whether the death may have been Mafia-related, homicide detective Lieutenant Ray Spencer told the New York Times.

At the time of the discovery, Lt Spencer said there was "a very good chance" that more human remains would be discovered.

In a statement, Lake Mead National Recreation Area said the latest find was reported at Callville Bay at about 2pm local time on Saturday.

Park rangers are at the scene to recover the remains and a coroner's office has been contacted to determine the cause of death.

'Reward' offered for bodies found

It has been reported that two retired police officers in Las Vegas are offering a reward for those who find bodies at Lake Mead.

Retired officers David Kohlmeier and Daniel Minor are offering $5,000 to divers who find any remaining bodies, according to Fox5 Las Vegas.

"We do believe there are others out there," Mr Kohlmeier told the broadcaster.

"We believe there are cold cases that are out there or missing people in general. Since the water is so low right now there's a chance in history to recover bodies."

 Reuters The Hoover Dam seen from Lake Mead

The officers work for a TV programme called The Problem Solver Show, which is offering the reward in an effort to bring closure to victims' families and to help police, Fox5 Las Vegas reported.

Lake Mead, formed by the Hoover Dam in the 1930s, and Lake Powell, upstream, are part of a system that provides water to more than 40 million people in several states including Arizona, California, Colorado and Nevada. 

Reference: Sky News: David Mercer, news reporter