Police today revealed a man whose body was discovered on the edge of a farm pond did not meet a violent death.

Det Insp Mick Ornellas, who is working on the investigation, said further forensic tests were taking place after a post-mortem examination proved inconclusive.

"I cannot say how the man died at this stage, or whether it is a murder or not, but he did not meet a violent death," he said.

"There were no signs of violence on the body."

The man, who was in his 40s, was discovered on land belonging to Wolves Hall Farm at Tendring last Wednesday by farmer James Fairley junior.

Mr Ornellas said the man's identity had not been revealed as police believe they have found a close relative who has not yet been informed.

"We are trying to trace her before those details can be released," he added.

Mr Ornellas added the last sighting of the man, who lived in the Tendring district, was on Saturday, June 14.

Published Tuesday, June 24, 2003

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