A body found in a tent behind a Canterbury superstore will need to be identified using dental or DNA records.

Police were called to the Riverside Retail Park in Wincheap after the grim discovery was made in dense woodland behind B&M Bargains.

The tent had been pitched in a clearing surrounded by trees, bushes and undergrowth, about 25 yards off a busy riverside path running beside the store.

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It is not known how long the body lay undiscovered, but police say dental or DNA records will be needed to identify the deceased.

They are yet to establish if the body is that of a man or woman.

It was discovered yesterday morning shortly before 9.30am, with police taping off the scene while investigations were carried out.

VIDEO: Body found off Riverside Retail Park in Canterbury

Workers from council contractor Serco were at the site this morning, removing the tent and clearing the area.

They also took away cooking utensils, camping equipment, including butane gas cylinders, and other items and debris.

One of them, who did not wish to be named, said: "It's very sad to think that someone has had to live like this and died here."

Police say the death is currently being treated as unexplained, but not suspicious.

An inquest is expected to be opened after formal identification has taken place.