(AFP) – Feb 16, 2008

OTTAWA (AFP) — A severed human foot has been found in Canada's westernmost Gulf Islands, marking the third such discovery in six months stumped police said Saturday, noting all three are right feet, size 12, male and shod in sneakers.

"It is not known at this time what relationship, if any, this foot has with the two feet recovered last year in the same area," Constable Annie Linteau of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said in a statement.

The two previous cases are still under investigation and federal police "have yet to determine if foul play is involved" in the first two cases or in this latest discovery, she said.

The standing mystery began in August 2007 when a severed foot in a white and blue runner was discovered washed ashore on the beaches of Jedidiah Island in the Georgia Straight between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.

Authorities speculated it might have been lost in a boat propeller accident, due to foul play, or a hoax.

Six days later, a second right foot in a black and white sneaker appeared on nearby Gabriola Island.

The most recent find was on February 8, when a third right foot washed up on the east side of Valdes Island.

The local coroner is conducting DNA tests on the feet. But so far, there has been no match to missing persons, police said.

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