World · East Asia & Pacific · 1 hr ago
Torso found in couch in Sydney bushland prompts homicide investigation
Police found a human torso inside a couch in bushland in Lane Cove North, on Sydney’s lower north shore.
Officers were called there on Wednesday afternoon after reports of human remains, and the smell had alerted neighbours.
Forensic examination confirmed the remains were an adult man’s, but police have not identified him.
The torso was missing its head, arms and legs, and police are investigating the death as a homicide.
Police say there is no indication the man died at the scene, and a local police superintendent said residents were not under threat.
Detectives are continuing the investigation and want people with information to contact police.
Police have launched a homicide investigation after a human torso was found inside a sofa in bushland at Lane Cove North, on Sydney’s lower North Shore.
The remains were identified as the torso of an adult male, but he had not been formally identified.
Police said there were signs the remains had been at the site for at least a couple of days.
A post-mortem examination and further forensic work are planned as investigators try to identify the man and establish how he died.
Police said there was no indication the man met foul play in the Lane Cove area and said locals were not under threat.
- Who
- NSW police and detectives, including the homicide squad, are investigating. The remains are believed to be those of an adult male whose identity has not been confirmed.
- What
- A human torso was found inside a sofa-style couch. Police have launched a homicide investigation.
- When
- Police were called at about 2.30pm on Wednesday. They said there were signs the remains had been at the site for at least a couple of days.
- Where
- Bushland at Lane Cove North on Sydney’s lower North Shore, near Avian Crescent.
- Why
- The discovery of human remains prompted the investigation. The cause of death and circumstances are not stated.
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Police were called to Lane Cove North after reports of human remains or a suspicious item in bushland.
A local man is understood to have discovered the remains while walking in the bushland.
Police conducted forensic work and searches, including using a cadaver dog.
- Location
- Lane Cove North, Sydney’s lower North Shore
- Discovery site
- A sofa-style couch in bushland near Avian Crescent
- Remains
- Torso of an adult male, not formally identified
- Estimated time at site
- At least a couple of days
- Police response
- NSW homicide squad and detectives launched an investigation
6 sources
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What people are saying
We are working around the clock to identify this male, what has led to his death and the disposal of his remains
We're confident they're not under any threat. There's no indication that this person met foul play within the area of Lane Cove.
We are working around the clock to identify this male.
It's a very friendly neighbourhood … it is disturbing and it's shocking,