THE body pulled from a commercial waste unit in Avonmouth yesterday has been identified by police as 34-year-old Matthew Symonds of Swindon.

The death continues to be described as unexplained by detectives who await the results of a post-mortem examination which is taking place today.

Mr Symonds’s next of kin have been informed and are currently being supported by family liaison officers.

Senior investigating officer, DCI Gareth Bevan, said: “The incident is being investigated and police are following several lines of inquiry to establish the circumstances surrounding Mr Symonds's death.

“Police enquiries so far suggest the body was transported with commercial recycling waste collected in Swindon and therefore the focus of the investigation will be in that area going forward.

“The investigation is at an early stage and we are keeping an open mind about the circumstances leading to his death. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very difficult time.”

Avon & Somerset Police were called to the Biffa depot in St Andrew’s Road at 11.30am on Friday after staff were concerned at what they thought were remains in one of their units.

A task force made up of Avon & Somerset and Wiltshire Police has now been co-ordinated after it became clear the body had been transported from Swindon.

There is no current appeal for witnesses.