New South Wales police have launched a homicide investigation after a human torso was found in bushland on Sydney’s lower north shore.

Police were called to Lane Cove North about 2.30pm on Wednesday after reports of human remains.

Police had “received a number of reports from members of the public” regarding a strong odour in the area, Supt Paul Devaney told media on Thursday morning.

Officers found a sofa containing a human torso located about five metres off the roadway.

The remains consisted of “a torso … devoid of head, arms and legs”, Devaney said. There were signs the body had been there for “at least a couple of days”.

A crime scene was established, with forensic specialists seizing the human remains – believed to be that of an adult male – for a postmortem examination.

“It’s a very, very quiet street in Lane Cove, an area that has probably nil crime rate, so it’s a very unusual activity,” Devaney said.

Detectives together with the state’s homicide squad launched an investigation, with the Aviation Command (PolAir) and cadaver dog deployed.

Members of the public with information, including dashcam or security camera footage that may be relevant, were urged to contact police with information.

Devaney sought to reassure Lane Cove residents that there was no apparent threat to locals.

“There is no indication that this person met foul play within the area of Lane Cove. But it is very early stages in the investigation and we are still undertaking numerous and comprehensive inquiries,” he said.