A SCOTTISH man whose body was found at a rubbish dump is believed to have been crushed to death by a bin lorry.

Belgian police found the body of 48-year-old Norman Hart, from Dundee, in a warehouse at a container park in Tienen, Belgium last Friday.

Officers believe the busker from Broughty Ferry was killed after the bin he was sleeping in was picked up by a collection lorry.

An initial investigation, overseen by Sarah Callewaert of the federal justice department, was launched amid suspicions of foul play.

But a post-mortem examination has established that Mr Hart's death was likely to have been a tragic accident.

Ms Callewaert said: "There has been an autopsy. He died of suffocation in a bin lorry. He must have been inside the dustbin sleeping when it was lifted by the lorry. He must have been in a very deep sleep. There are no signs of criminal activity."

Reports suggested that the container in question had been emptied the previous week and Mr Hart had been crushed by the container mechanism.

Investigators are working with the waste processing company to establish where exactly the bin was located.

Mr Hart's mother, Jean Hart, 70, said: "It's a complete nightmare. I'm devastated.

"Norman had travelled all over the world. He had started writing a book about his travels. He had a loving family. He never slept rough in his life."