A third dead body has been found in Barking, less than a mile from the discovery of two others within a month.

Police were called after a member of the public made the gruesome find near to Riverside Cottages, Alfred’s Way, Barking, shortly after 4pm yesterday.

Officers said the victim was a man, believed to be in his thirties, and have informed next of kin. The death is being treated as unexplained at this early stage with a post-mortem to take place “in due course”, said police.

It follows just three days after the body of a 21-year-old man was discovered in the grounds of St Margaret’s Church, North Street, Barking, on Saturday.

On August 28, the body of 24-year-old Gabriel Kovari from Deptford, Lewisham, was found, also within the church grounds, and coincidentally by the same unfortunate walker.

Anyone with information about either matter should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Update

Det Ch Insp Tony Kirk said: “These three cases are in the early stages of investigation and we are working to establish the exact circumstances. I would like to reassure the public that there is no danger to the wider community at this time.”