Human remains found wrapped in sleeping bag and left out for trash pickup in NYC

NEW YORK — Decomposing human remains have been found wrapped in a sleeping bag and left on the sidewalk for trash collection in Manhattan, New York City police said Saturday.

The gruesome discovery was made around 5pm on Friday after police received reports of a suspicious package with a foul odour outside a building in the Kips Bay neighbourhood.

Officers arriving at the scene found the remains in a sleeping bag that had been placed on the sidewalk next to other garbage bags used for trash collection, police said.

Videos and photos shared on social media show what appears to be a life-size body covered in a dark sleeping bag further wrapped in black garbage bags.

The ministry has not released any details about the possible victim, including age or gender.

The coroner will perform an autopsy to determine the cause of death and whether foul play was involved, police said.