Body in lagoon had been decapitated

The body was pulled from the Blue Lagoon in Arlesey, Bedfordshire, on Sunday after it was spotted by two members of the public just before 2pm.

Bedfordshire Police confirmed the man had been decapitated.

A spokeswoman said the body is being examined by a Home Office pathologist at Bedford Hospital, and the full extent of his injuries and cause of death are still being determined.

A murder probe has been launched by the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit after the discovery, the spokeswoman said.

She said the body was wrapped in various layers of packaging when it was discovered.

The victim is a white man, with light brown body hair.

A wheelbarrow, found with the body in the lake, is also being forensically examined for clues.

A detailed search of the area surrounding the lake is being carried out by scenes of crime examiners and search teams are also preparing to search the entrance and exit routes to the Blue Lagoon, the spokeswoman said.

Det Chief Insp Jon Humphries, who is leading the investigation, said: "Our suspicion is that the wheelbarrow was used to convey the body to the lake. We don't know exactly how long the body has been in there but if anyone has seen someone acting suspiciously in the area, or has information that may help identify the victim or his killer(s) then please contact the police."