Body of man who died in Essex cement mixer to be exhumed

The body of a man who died in a cement mixer in Essex is to be exhumed by detectives investigating his death. Lee Balkwell, who was 33, died in July 2002. His body was found inside a cement mixer lorry on a farm track in Upminster.

Lee's body will now be exhumed as part of an ongoing investigation by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate. The initial investigation by Essex police lasted just 19 days and concluded his death was an accident. An inquest in 2008 recorded a verdict of unlawful killing by gross negligence.

Last year the Independent Police Complaints Commission published a report saying the initial investigation by Essex Police was "seriously flawed." Last month the Balkwell family filed a High Court claim against Essex police alleging the investigation breached human rights law.

Five people arrested on suspicion of corporate manslaughter remain on police bail.