The Turkish man whose mutilated body was found wrapped in Ikea bags at a popular beauty spot was well known in Green Lanes.

Hackney Gazette: Hidir Aksakal, known as 'Cetin', was found murdered and wrapped in Ikea bags in Hollow Ponds, LeytonstoneHidir Aksakal, known as 'Cetin', was found murdered and wrapped in Ikea bags in Hollow Ponds, Leytonstone (Image: Archant)

Hidir Aksakal - also known as Musa Yakut and most commonly by the nickname ‘Boxer Cetin’, was shot before he was partially buried in Epping Forest, close to Hollow Ponds along Whipps Cross Road.

His body was found on Wednesday September 9 by a stunned passer-by when they investigated a foul smell coming from the bushes and saw rats scurrying around.

The last known sighting of the 53-year-old, who lived in Margate, Kent, was in Green Lanes in the early hours of Monday August 17, three and a half weeks before his body was found.

Cetin used to live in the area, which is famous for its Turkish shops and restaurants.

Det Ch Insp Jamie Piscopo, investigating the murder said: “He was out and about in the area during the evening of Sunday August 16, and the last confirmed sighting of him was in the early hours of Monday August 17. If you saw him that Sunday night, or any time after, then I would like to hear from you.

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

“We are working on the basis that Cetin was murdered shortly after the last sighting of him.

“Cetin did have a criminal history, including links to other criminals, and as part of our investigation we are exploring this.”

A Met police spokeswoman refused to reveal his convictions or confirm if he had spent time in jail or was connected to a gang.

There have been no arrests so far. Anyone with information should call the incident room at Barking on 020 8345 3715; or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestopers-uk.org.