Update: Murder probe launched after body is found in Beckton

The discovery of a body in Beckton is now a murder inquiry

The discovery of a body in undergrowth has now been made a murder inquiry, Scotland Yard have just revealed.

The probe has been launched following the discovery of the body in Beckton on Saturday.

Officers were called after a member of the public made the grisly discovery at just after 3.20pm on wasteland and grassland off Spur Road and Jenkins Lane and the 13 Newham Way near the Showcase Cinema and restaurants in Beckton.

It took some time to establish the age of the victim due to the decomposition of the body,

But following police investigations and a post mortem, it is believed officers now know the identity of the deceased.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said he is believed to be a Lithuanian male aged in his late 40’s.

“We await formal identification. Next of kin are yet to be made aware.”

A post-mortem was carried out at Walthamstow Mortuary yesterday. A formal cause of death has not yet been established due to the state of decomposition.

There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.

Officers from the Homicide and Serious Crime Command are investigating and an incident room has opened at Barking under Acting Det Chief Insp Andrew Kelly.

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on (020) 8345 3775 or to remain anonymous Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Detectives are continuing their inquiries.