A murder victim whose body was found in Leytonstone has been named.

The body of Hidir Aksakal, also known as Boxer Cetin and Musa Yakut, was found close to Hollow Ponds, along Whipps Cross Road on September 9.

Mr Aksakal, a Turkish national, lived in Margate, Kent, but had close links to the Green Lanes area of Haringey having previously resided there.

He was last seen in Green Lanes in the early hours of August 17.

Detective Chief Inspector Jamie Piscopo from the 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."

Police were called by a member of the public last week at around 7pm, to reports of a body, partially buried and wrapped in plastic, close to Hollow Ponds.

The decomposed body of a man was removed from the area the following day.

It remains unclear how long it had been at the scene.

A post-mortem examination was carried out at Walthamstow mortuary Friday (September 11).

Detectives, who have not revealed the cause of death, are continuing to appeal for witnesses and information from anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious in the Hollow Ponds area over the last few weeks.

DCI Piscopo said: "Hollow Ponds is a busy and popular local beauty spot, with a café 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 in the last several weeks, and may have witnessed any unusual or suspicious activity, to come and speak to us."

There have been no arrests at this stage.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact the incident room at Barking on 020 8345 3715; or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestopers-uk.org.