Ian Clarke A post mortem examination is today being carried out to find out how a man died whose body was found in remote woodland near a Bernard Matthews' poultry factory.

Ian Clarke

A post mortem examination was yesterday being carried out to find out how a man died whose body was found in remote woodland near a Bernard Matthews' poultry factory.

Detectives appear to now know the identity of the man who was discovered at Rabbit Lane, Great Witchingham, near Dereham, on Monday at about 12.45pm.

The examination by Home Office pathologist Ben Swift at the James Paget Hospital at Gorleston should reveal the cause of death.

The man - thought to be aged between 40 and 50 - had blood around his mouth and nose and a shoe and sock missing.

A 10-strong group of officers from the major investigation team is working on the case and theories range from the idea that he could have been murdered and dumped to the possibility he had been sleeping rough and died.

It is thought he died within the last few days as there was no significant decomposition.

For two days police officers said they had no idea who the man was.

But there has been a good response to appeals for information and it seems detectives have now found out who he was.

Officers are following up a number of lines of inquiry and speaking to people who have contacted them, including dog walkers and horse riders who use the area close to the scene.

The body was discovered by a member of the public and he was covered by fence panels.

Rabbit Lane is a single track just off Porters Lane and near the poultry factory.

The site where the man was found is used by fly-tippers.

t Anyone with information should contact Det Chief Insp Steve Strong at the major investigation team at Norfolk Police on 0845 456 4567.