Police have launched a murder investigation after a human torso was found stuffed inside a couch dumped on the side of a road in Sydney bushland. The remains, which were found without a head and limbs, were discovered just off a road in an area covered by trees and scrubland, not far from Sydney's leafy North Shore.
Residents were overcome by a strong odour, which led them to make the discovery. North Shore Local Area Commander Paul Devaney said the remains were found just five metres off the road on a "very quiet" street on Wednesday at 2.30pm local time.
Police called after residents report foul odour
Supt Devaney said: "We received a number of reports from members of the public in relation to the odour and the suspicious item, and that's how (police) came to be there. This is a very, very quiet street in Lane Cove – an area that has nil crime rate, so it's very unusual activity."
Police were called to the area by residents just off Avan Crescent, Lane Cove North. Forensic investigators arrived at the scene, which borders a river, as murder detectives took over the case.
While the remains are yet to be formally identified, police believe they belong to an adult male, with Supt Devaney saying the torso was now undergoing forensic testing.
Community assured they are not under threat
"Obviously it's distressing to the local community, and I want to assure them that I'm confident they're not under any threat," he said. "There's no indication this person met foul play within the area of Lane Cove, but as I said it's very early stages and we are still undertaking numerous and comprehensive inquiries."
The area is home to a number of popular local walking tracks, including the Lane Cove River Track and the Garadi Track. A large section of the bushland was roped off on Thursday morning, as detectives scoured the surrounding area for any evidence. A search dog, trained to sniff out human remains, was also brought in as detectives and forensic officers continued their investigations.
Mayor expresses shock at discovery
Lane Cove Mayor, Merri Southwood, told NewsWire the local community was deeply disturbed by the incident, and her feelings were with those who discovered the torso. "However the torso was located, that must have been a very traumatic experience for those people. My thoughts in the short term are with the people who actually found it," Ms Southwood said. "Whatever the circumstances, it's a very sad development. No council wants to have this happen in their local government area."
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers Australia on 1800 333 000.
