Police investigating the murder of Turkish national, Hidir Aksakal, whose body was found dumped in Epping Forest, have confirmed he was shot dead.

The 53-year-old - also known as Boxer Cetin and Musa Yakut - was found close to Hollow Ponds, along Whipps Cross Road on September 9.

Mr Aksakal lived in Margate, Kent, but had close links to the Green Lanes area of Haringey, north London, having previously lived there.

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

A post-mortem examination carried out at Walthamstow Mortuary on Friday confirmed the cause of death was gunshot wounds.

Some local residents have reported that his remains were found wrapped in a partially buried Ikea bag.

Det Ch Insp Piscopo Jamie Piscopo, from the Met’s Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: “Our investigation is ongoing and we are exploring a number of lines of enquiry. I would specifically like to ask for the help of the local community in the Green Lanes area.

“Cetin was well known locally, and had previously lived in the area.”

Det Ch Insp Piscopo said they believe Mr Aksakal was murdered shortly after he was last seen in the area in the early hours of Monday August 17.

“We are building a picture of Cetin’s movements up to that evening and someone may have vital information,” he added.

“Cetin’s body was found three-and-a-half weeks later, and some efforts had been made to conceal his body.

“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 that area between August 17 and Wednesday September 9, and may have witnessed any unusual or suspicious activity, to come and speak to us.

“Anyone who thinks they may have information can contact us, your information will be treated in confidence.”

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