The remains of a body found near Hollow Ponds were found 'in several plastic bags', eyewitnesses have said.

Police said a body was discovered in a wooded area close to the popular boating lake in Leytonstone at 7pm yesterday.

A woman, who did not want to be named, spoke to the person who found the body.

She said: “They found the body wrapped in blue plastic bags.

“It looked like someone had dug a hole to try and bury it but it wasn’t properly covered.

“The horrendous smell drew him to the spot.

“They couldn’t tell if it was a man, woman or child or anything."

Forensics experts could be seen packing items into boxes at the cordoned off scene.

A met police spokesman refused to comment on the condition of the body.

The spokesman said: "Enquiries are underway into the circumstances.

"No arrests have been made."