A murder probe has been launched after the body of a Kent man was found wrapped in plastic and dumped in woodland.

The decomposing remains of Hidir Aksakal, from Margate, were discovered partially buried in Epping Forest, north east London.

The 53-year-old was last seen alive in Green Lanes in the early hours of Monday, 17 August.

It is not known how long his body was lying there before it was found by a member of the public near Hollow Ponds, along Whipps Cross Road, last Wednesday evening.

Mr Aksakal, also known as Boxer Cetin and Musa Yakut, was a Turkish national who lived in the seaside town but had close links to the Green Lanes area of Haringey.

A post-mortem examination was carried out at Walthamstow mortuary on Friday, but police are not releasing details of the cause of death "for operational reasons".

His body was identified this week, as Met Police officers continue to appeal for information.

Detective Chief Inspector Jamie Piscopo from the Met's homicide and major crime command said: "We are keen to hear from anyone who saw Mr Aksakal in the area or has any information about where he went afterwards.

"Mr Aksakal was well known locally as 'Boxer Cetin' or 'Cetin Boxer' and we are hopeful that those in the Green Lanes community may have information to help with our investigation. People should be reassured that they can speak to us in complete confidence."

Anyone who can help is asked to call 020 8345 3715 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestopers-uk.org.

Watch: The day's news on KMTV