Police believe they may have determined the sex of a skull found at the edge of Okanagan Lake.

The skull was discovered on the shoreline of City Park in Kelowna April 5.

RCMP say the skull likely belongs to a female.

"The initial examination by medical professionals suggest that the skull is likely that of a female between the ages of 20 and 30," says Constable Julie Rattee.

The fact that the victim may be female dashes the hopes of some families whose sons are missing, including the family of Charles Horvath, who disappeared 19 years ago and the most recent disappearance, that of Aaron Derbyshire who vanished in September 2006.

Meantime, RCMP say they're continuing to look for clues.

"Further expert opinions are being sought in order to assist with this investigation and it is anticipated that this could take some time," says Rattee.

The RCMP dive team was in Okanagan Lake last weekend but failed to find any more remains linked to the skull.

Interview with Constable Julie Rattee on latest developments. (Kelly Hayes)

Link: Still no ID on skull Link: Charles' mother can only hope