The hunt is now on for a murderer who left a body wrapped in plastic bags at a popular beauty spot.
Investigators are now searching for a killer after a post mortem confirmed that the male victim, whose decomposing remains were found partially buried at Hollow Ponds in Epping Forest on Wednesday evening, was murdered.
The body was found when a passer-by reportedly “spotted a load of rats scurrying around some bushes”.
The remains were reportedly wrapped in blue Ikea bags.
The remains were found at Hollow Ponds in Epping Forest on Wednesday (file picture)
The victim has been identified and next of kin informed, although police have not released the name.
According to the BBC, Detective Chief Inspector Jamie Piscopo, who is leading the investigation, said: "Hollow Ponds is a busy and popular local beauty spot, with a cafe and a boating lake.
"It is also surrounded by a number of busy roads, including Whipps Cross Road.
"We would like to speak to anyone who may have been in the area the last several weeks, and may have witnessed any unusual or suspicious activity, to come and speak to us."