The police are investigating the discovery of the body of a male immigrant found buried under a carob tree in a field close to a hangar used for housing immigrants in Ħal Far. The grim find was made at about 6 p.m. yesterday near Tal-Ġebel Road by migrants who live in the open centre opposite as they were wandering through the field. Until late last night, the police were still trying to establish both the identity and the nationality of the dead man and what led to his death.

Police sources said there were traces of blood in the area around the body and that only the person's fingers were protruding from the soil.

Since the first indications were that foul play could have been involved, it had also to be established whether the death occurred on site or whether the body was transported to the field and buried.

As there were no signs of decomposition on the body, the death is not thought to have occurred before Saturday.

Civil Protection Department personnel were called on site and, with the use of generators, illuminated the area with powerful floodlights to assist investigators.

Forensic experts were seen closely searching the field, looking for any evidence that could throw more light on the case.

Migrants closely followed police investigations from behind the police tape as the area was cordoned off.

At one point, the police, with the assistance of the Armed Forces of Malta, had to deal with what appeared to be disturbance among a considerable number of immigrants at Ħal Far.

However, the situation was soon brought under control.

Magistrate Giovanni Grixti has launched an inquiry into the discovery of the body.

He appointed a number of court experts to assist him.

Police investigations are being conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department.