Papua hikers find 'WWII airman'

Australian hikers have found the suspected remains of a World War II airman hanging from a tree in dense forest in Papua New Guinea.

The moss-covered body appeared to be wearing a harness and goggles.

The discovery was made along the Kokoda Trail, in the east of the country, which was an important battleground during the war.

The Australian Defence Force is preparing to send officials to the scene for further investigations.

A force spokeswoman said it was too early to confirm the nationality of the pilot.

But he is likely to have come from Australia, Japan or the United States, as all three operated aircraft in the area during the war.