A body has been found near a hardware store in Epping.

While police say the body is yet to be identified, there are unconfirmed reports the body is that of a man.

The discovery was made near a hardware store on Cooper Street just after 3pm.

There are reports there was an explosion shortly before the discovery was made and it’s also reported the body located near a fenced off industrial electrical box.

The cause of death is yet to be determined.

Local police are on the scene.