Body parts found at Biffa recycling plant identified by police

Staff at Bristol site made the gruesome discovery on Friday

Police have cordoned off the area (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Police have identified the body parts of a man discovered by staff at a Bristol recycling depot.

Avon and Somerset Police have named the victim as Matthew Symonds, 34, of no fixed address in Swindon, and said his death was being treated as unexplained.

Specialist officers are carrying out investigations at the Biffa site after Avon and Somerset Police were called to the Bristol plant at 11am on Friday when staff found the remains of a human male.

Det. Ch. Insp. Gareth Bevan said police are following several lines of inquiry to establish the circumstances surrounding Mr Symonds' 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," he said.

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

A post-mortem is due to be carried out later. The force said his next of kin have been informed.