A NATIONAL icon has been decapitated and its head left bleeding on a public BBQ, in what police say is a criminal act of animal cruelty.

The kangaroo was found at a park in Diamond Creek this morning.

As families and friends across the state gather for Australia Day sausage sizzles, police have closed the public BBQ near the Diamond Creek Walking Track.

The area has been taped off and is being considered a crime scene.

Officers were called about 8.20am to reports the head of a kangaroo had been left on a BBQ hot plate. The kangaroo’s body was found about 60m away.

A skinned rabbit was also found next to a children’s playground near the intersection of Campbell and Watkins streets.

Diamond Creek police want to hear from people who used the walking track last night or this morning.

Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Severed head found on public BBQ