4 July 2012 Last updated at 09:01 ET

Torso in bin liner discovered on Southsea beach

The man's torso was found inside a plastic bin liner

Police have begun a murder inquiry after the torso of a man was found on a Portsmouth beach.

It was found near the Pyramids Centre by a group of foreign students shortly before 17:30 BST on Tuesday.

Det Ch Insp Dick Pearson said the torso was found in a plastic bin liner, adding that inquiries were focusing on "identifying the body".

The students who found the remains alerted workmen who contacted police.

"We are aware that the area was busy yesterday afternoon and evening, with a number of people on the promenade between South Parade Pier and the Blue Reef Aquarium watching the P&O ships and other local events," said Mr Pearson.

"We would like to speak to these spectators if they have specific information which could be of interest to us."

A Home Office post-mortem examination is due to be carried out later.