A post-mortem examination showed that the man died from multiple stab wounds.

A farmer made the discovery at 0830 BST on Saturday at Millfield Lane, Caddington, near Dunstable.

Officers are linking the discovery with a burglary at the nearby Wyevale Garden Centre in which fireworks worth at least £2,000 were stolen over the weekend.

Eyewitnesses sought

Four large metal containers carrying fireworks worth were taken from the compound.

Two of these were silver with lids on top.

The others were green cabinets with lockable doors - one is about five feet high, the other six feet high.

Detective Superintendent Nicky Dahl said he was anxious to hear from anyone who could help with the inquiry.

In particular he is looking for anyone who has seen any of the four containers dumped anywhere or being transported.

An incident room has been set up at Dunstable police station.