Scottish man found dead at rubbish dump

Belgian police have launched an inquiry after the body of a father-of-two from Scotland was found at a dump in Tienen, Flemish Brabant, reports the Evening Telegraph. Investigators are pursuing the theory that Norman Hart was crushed to death after the bin he was sleeping in was picked up by a collection lorry. The body of the 48-year-old, a busker from Broughty Ferry near Dundee, was found on Friday in a warehouse at a container park in Tienen by bin men. An investigation, overseen by Sarah Callewaert of the federal justice department, was launched amid suspicions of foul play. However, a post mortem has now established that Mr Hart’s death was likely 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 that 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. “There is still further research be done,” confirmed Ms Callewaert, adding that Mr Hart was of no fixed abode in Belgium but known in the Tienen area. Norman’s mother Jean Hart, 70, said: “It’s a complete nightmare. I’m devastated, absolutely devastated. I’ve been taking pains in my heart. I cannot accept it. His partner is in pieces. Norman was a well-known character in Dundee from busking and he had travelled all over the world. He had started writing a book about his travels to different countries. He had a loving family. He never slept rough in his life. We just want him to be remembered as a beautiful loving person and a free spirit.” A spokesman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: “We are providing consular assistance to the family.”