ES News email The latest headlines in your inbox twice a day Monday - Friday plus breaking news updates Enter your email address Continue Please enter an email address Email address is invalid Fill out this field Email address is invalid You already have an account. Please log in Register with your social account or click here to log in I would like to receive lunchtime headlines Monday - Friday plus breaking news alerts, by email Update newsletter preferences

Authorities are investigating after a mysterious animal skin with flesh still attached was discovered in an east London park.

The grim discovery was made by users of Clissold Park, in Stoke Newington, who were concerned the flesh belonged to one of the goats kept in an enclosure inside the park.

Josey Wales uploaded images of the flesh to Facebook with the message: “What appears to me skinned goat found in Clissold Park – has been there for a few days apparently.

“This is not a goat skin rug – there is flesh still attached to it.

“Have any goats been stolen locally or [in] the surrounding areas?”

Other Facebook users commented it was the result of a “black magic ritual” or “something to do with the circus”.

The police, RSPCA and Hackney Council were informed and the animal pelt was removed from the park.

Checks were made on goats and other animals living inside the park, which were all found to be safe. Investigations are underway to find out where it came from.

A spokesman for the RSPCA told the Hackney Gazette: “We were contacted by a member of the public on May 12, who reported finding what was described as some chocolate brown coloured fur and skin in Clissold Park.

“There was no CCTV or evidence to suggest what animal it had come from or how that animal has died.”

A spokesman for the council said the species and origin of the animal remain unknown.

Anyone with information can call the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018 or email parks@hackney.gov.uk