A police investigation is continuing after a body was found in woodland near a popular beauty spot near Maidstone.

About dozen police vehicles, including forensic investigation vans, were lined up in Cave Hill in Tovil yesterday, and officers taped off Crisbrook Meadow and Lower Crisbrook millpond.

The body of a man believed to be aged in his 20s was found beside a meadow at 7.15am on Sunday.

Police have said the death is "unexplained" and are investigating but it is understood it is being treated as suspicious.

Scroll down for video

The Valley Conservation Society, which owns the meadow in conjunction with Tovil Parish Council, was due to hold a litter-pick in the area yesterday morning, but officers told the group to cancel the event.

Video: Man's body found in Tovil

Bryn Cornwell, the chairman of the Valley Conservation Society, said: "They obviously don't want us tramping around and perhaps removing any evidence."

He described the event as "very disturbing."

Video: Bryn Cornwell talks about the incident

South ward councillor Paul Wilby was also at the scene, having arrived to take part in the litter-pick.

He said he had walked through the area the previous afternoon and discovered a green tent close to where the body had been found.

He had investigated to tell the occupants that no camping was allowed in the area, but the tent had been empty and there was no one around.

It is not known if the tent is connected to the discovery.

A Kent Police spokesperson said:"Officers investigating after a body was found in woodland in Tovil, Maidstone are appealing for help from the public.

"The body of a man believed to be aged in his 20s was found in Crisbrook Meadow near a mill pond at 7.15am on Sunday morning, 7 May 2017.

"Police would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at any time between Saturday 6 May and Sunday morning, 7 May 2017, who saw anyone or anything.

"Please call Kent Police on 101.

"The cause of the death is currently unexplained and being investigated."