Human body found at waste site as forensic teams investigate remains

A human body has been discovered at a waste site with police launching an investigation.

Cleveland Police were called to the facility at Haverton Hill Road, in Billingham, at 1.45pm on Wednesday, September 24. The waste section of the site is currently closed although the recycling centre remains open. There are no further details currently surrounding the identity of the person found yesterday and police said enquiries are ongoing to establish the sex and age of the person.

Cleveland Police has confirmed that there is a crime scene in place at the waste site. However, there is no visible police presence from the public road.

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A force spokesperson said: "At 1.45pm on Wednesday 24 September police were called to the waste facility at Haverton Hill Road in Billingham following reports of a body being located.

"Detectives attended to the scene and an investigation is taking place to identify the body and the circumstances surrounding how it came to be at the facility. The waste facility part of the site is currently closed while a scene is in place."

The body was found at the SUEZ recycling and recovery UK site. The waste management service provides services to businesses across the North of England, reported TeessideLive.

Many people have taken to social media to express their shock and offer their condolences after the tragedy. One person wrote on Facebook: "So sad, what is going on in this area lately its scary," and another said: "Aw this is awful."

Meanwhile an investigation continues after workers discovered human remains at a recycling plant in Hartlepool on April 2.

Detectives and forensic teams were called to the Biffa recycling plant, off Brenda Road, after a number of bones were found. Specialist examination confirmed that the remains were human.

After a week at the site, the force confirmed it had concluded its initial investigation at the recycling plant and in June it said it was an "extremely complex and sensitive" investigation.

Following the discovery of the body in April, senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Chris Pringle, reported TeessideLive, said: “The investigation is in the very early stages and is extremely complex and sensitive due to the circumstances in which the remains have been found.

“We have a dedicated team of detectives and officers from departments across the force working at pace and conducting the investigation expeditiously to identify the remains, however this will take a considerable amount of time.

“There are numerous procedures to follow to identify the remains and to establish the circumstances surrounding how they came to be at the recycling plant.

“I understand how concerning this will be for those living within our community and the wider public. I know there will be families who have missing loved ones and worried about the remains, and I want to reassure you that if any relevant information comes to light, we will be in touch.

“I would encourage anyone who has concerns to please speak to an officer or to call Cleveland Police on 101 quoting reference number 055293.”