About 4pm yesterday a father and his three children made the gruesome discovery while swimming in a creek located on a 42ha property.

A police spokesperson said while swimming the family noticed the lower portion of a human body lying on the creek bed.

Police were contacted and a crime scene was secured.

Forensic examinations are underway.

At this stage, police are treating the death as suspicious.

A further search of the property was carried out this morning with assistance of specialist police and the State Emergency Services personnel.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have information surrounding the discovery to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Meanwhile, a report is being prepared for the Coroner after the death of a man in a crash at Scotts Head yesterday morning.

About 4.30am a Holden Commodore station wagon was travelling east on Adin Street, Scotts Head, when it left the roadway and hit a power pole, a police spokesperson said.

A 20-year-old Macksville man, who was a rear seat passenger in the vehicle, died at the scene.

The driver of the car, a 25-year-old Bondi man, and two 21-year-old male passengers were taken to Macksville Hospital in a stable condition.

Police from the Port Macquarie Crash Investigation Unit are investigating the incident and anyone who witnessed the crash is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.