Essex Police said they are treating the death of the man as unexplained, but not suspicious.
His body was discovered in Stock Road, with the ambulance service calling police at 10.47am.
Essex Police said they are ‘exploring the possibility that the man died elsewhere and that his body was transported to this location after his death’.
‘We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have seen two men of Asian appearance between Saturday May 7 and 10.45am on Sunday May 8,’ the force said
The first is a man aged between 20 and 30, of around 5ft 6ins tall.
‘He has dark hair, is of slim build and was wearing a black t-shirt, denim shorts, training shoes and a large puffer-style jacket.
The second is a man aged in his mid-30s, who is around 5ft 6ins tall.
‘He is of slim build with dark hair, and was wearing a black bomber jacket and grey jogging bottoms.’
Detective Inspector Kevin Hughes said: ‘I am particularly keen to speak to anyone who used Honeypot Lane between Saturday evening and Sunday morning.
‘This includes drivers, cyclists and walkers.
‘If you travelled along Honeypot Lane and saw anything out of the ordinary, please get in touch with us.’