A man has been arrested following investigations after a man’s body was found by a brook in a Walthamstow park.

The man, in his 40s, from Walthamstow, was arrested yesterday (August 28) on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

On Monday (August 24) afternoon a member of the public discovered the body of a man who had been stabbed in the neck in St James Park.

Once officers were the scene, the man was pronounced dead.

Detectives are confident the deceased is Yassar Mustakim Moussa, of Walthamstow, despite formal identification having yet to take place.

The 37-year-old's family have been informed.

Detectives understand that Yassar was last heard from on the morning of Saturday (August 22).

Now detectives are working to establish the circumstances of events leading up to his death, and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

DCI Larry Smith, who leads the investigation, said: “A man’s life has been brutally taken and his body left in a park. We need to the know the movements of Yassar from Saturday, 22 August and my team will be working tirelessly to identify those involved.”

“This is a busy park with lots of people using it and I’m asking those park visitors, and nearby residents, to really think back over this weekend. Did you see anything out of the ordinary? Did you see a vehicle drive in or out of the park through either the north or south gates?

“Someone out there knows what happened to Yassar and I’m asking you to do the decent thing and speak up. If you don’t want to talk to us, you can anonymously talk to Crimestoppers.”

Acting North East Borough Commander Supt Waheed Khan said: “My thoughts are with Yasser’s loved ones, who must be devastated not only by his death, but by the callous way he was treated.

“I know the local community will be shocked by these events, but please be assured that officers will do everything in their power to find who is responsible for this. Officers will be conducting increased patrols locally so residents can expect to see an additional police presence in the area. We are here for you so please do talk to our officers if you have any concerns.”

Police enquiries continue.

Anyone who has information that could assist police with their investigation is asked to call 101 or tweet @MetCC ref CAD 3562/24 Aug.