Human remains found inside dumped sofa in Australian bushland

Detailed summary

A foul smell alerted residents who found the remains

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Police in Australia launched a homicide investigation after the remains of a man were discovered inside a sofa abandoned in bushland on Sydney’s lower north shore.

Reports said that a strong smell alerted residents to the suspected dumping site.

A human torso was found in the storage compartment of a sofa-style couch about five metres from the road off Avian Crescent in Lane Cove North at around 2.30pm on Wednesday, police said.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that a local man is believed to have discovered the remains while walking through the bushland with his wife, who said the couple had noticed the smell in recent days and decided to investigate.

Forensic examinations at the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Lidcombe confirmed that the remains belonged to an adult man. His identity has not yet been established.

NSW Police superintendent Paul Devaney said that the torso had been at the location for “at least a couple of days”.

Investigators have not established whether the couch was already in the bushland before the remains were placed inside it. Police have deployed cadaver dogs and specialist officers to search the surrounding area for further remains.

“We are working around the clock to identify this male, what has led to his death and the disposal of his remains,” Mr Devaney said.

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