A gory animal skin has horrified Clissold Park users.

The mysterious hide, which appeared to have chunks of flesh still attached, was spotted in the park on May 12.

Clissold Park’s beloved animals are all safe, according to the town hall, and no one knows where the gruesome discovery came from - with one park user suggesting it might be part of a “black magic ritual”.

Josey Wales, who made the bloodthirsty find, posted pictures in the Clissold Parker Users Facebook group.

She said: “What appears to be a skinned goat found in Clissold Park. It has been there for a few days apparently.

“This is not a goat skin rug - there is flesh still attached to it. Have any goats been stolen locally or the surrounding areas?”

David Corbett said: “[Is it a} black magic ritual? Something to do with the circus?”12 May at 18:23 · Like · 1

Ela Ela said: “Someone please tell me it’s not a domestic animal.”

Maeve Hosea added: “Wow - that’s a bit darkside”

The police, Hackney Council and the RSPCA were called and the skin was removed, but everyone is baffled as to where it came from.

A spokesman for the RSPCA said: “We were contacted by a member of the public on May 12, who reported finding what was described as some chocolate brown coloured fur and skin in Clissold Park.

“There was no CCTV or evidence to suggest what animal it had come from, or how that animal had died.”

A spokesman for the town hall said all the goats from the park were fine.

He added: “The Council is aware of an animal skin that was found in Clissold Park last week, the species of animal and its origin are unknown.

“We ask that if anyone has any knowledge of this or witnessed anything unusual taking place in the park, to please contact us.”

Anyone with information about the skin can call inspector Clare Dew from the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018 or email the council on parks@hackney.gov.uk.