Police divers have carried out an underwater search of a muddy stream where a mystery body was found next to a quiet estate near Bristol.

Residents of the housing complex just 50 yards away from the stream said the discovery was ‘scary’ and ‘frightening for young children’ who play near it.

This follows reports of human remains – believed to be decomposed – and ‘skeletal’ being found under a metal bridge, next to Apple Grove, a modern estate.

Avon and Somerset Police are checking missing persons records to identify the body which had been in the water for some time and are treating the finding as ‘unexplained’.

Three link houses and a smart detached property, all built seven years ago, have been cordoned off by police who are carrying out house to house inquiries.

This comes after the horrific discovery was made on Tuesday.

Multiple emergency service vehicles, including a police forensics van and an underwater search unit, were rushed to the scene and residents report police activity has been ‘non-stop’ since.

A footpath heading towards a bridge over the Folly Brook has been sealed off.

One woman living 50 yards from steps leading down to the bridge said: ‘It’s scary, why would a body suddenly turn up here?

‘Lots of people walk their dogs over the bridge and kids play very close to it. It’s frightening for young children. I’m glad one of them didn’t find it.’

Forensic officers were concentrating their inquiries on the bramble path leading to the metal bridge that goes into a farmer’s field where cows graze.

Six police vehicles and a fire engine were turned upon Tuesday afternoon after the body was discovered by a member of the public.

Software support team manager Liam Humphries, 26, who lives in Apple Grove, said: ‘I heard the police talking about skeletal remains so it doesn’t sound fresh.

‘There have been lots of police here since Tuesday afternoon – I saw divers in wetsuits being washed down today.’

Neighbour James Millar, 26, an accountant, said: ‘By the sound of it the body’s been there for a while.

‘Our thoughts are with the person who found it and for the family of the person.’

The police cordon remained up tonight and officers were still at the scene.

MailOnline has contacted Avon and Somerset Police for further updates who say there are none forthcoming