Man found dead on fire had been burning plastic

File photo / NZ Herald

A man found dead on top of a smouldering fire heap near Hamilton yesterday had been burning plastic before he was found, police say.

Max George Taylor, 75, was found by his son at a property in Ohaupo, 17km south of Hamilton, about 8.30am.

Sergeant Chris Greenwood said the man had been burning plastic bail wrap, used to cover hay bails.

He suffered extensive burns but the exact cause of death was yet to be determined.

The death was not being treated as suspicious and had been referred to the coroner.

- NZPA

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