An investigation has been launched after a mutilated, decapitated and burnt dog was found next to a children’s playground. The discovery was made by a dog owner at Lordship Recreation Ground in north London at around 9am on Tuesday.

The RSPCA said the bully-breed dog had been dismembered into several pieces, decapitated, burned and had his spine sawn in half. Animal rescue officer Lee Ricketts is investigating for the animal welfare charity.

He said the RSPCA had also been called to a beating incident in the same area six days earlier, although it was unclear whether the two incidents were related. Ricketts said: “This was a really disturbing discovery.

“The dog’s body had been dismembered into several pieces, all limbs had been removed, the head cut off and the spine appeared to have been sawn in half. It is believed that someone had attempted to burn the remains as parts of the dog had been burned along with the grass around it and there was a smell of burnt fuel.

“The body was found near the south gate of Walpole Road and could probably have been carried through there with difficulty on the night of April 22nd or early in the morning of Tuesday, April 23rd, or possibly driven through the gate of Downhills Park Road.”

He added: “I have examined the body but at the moment there is no obvious indication as to how the dog died. It was quite clear that it had taken a lot of time and effort to dismember the body and transport it to the park.

“Last week we were called to a beating incident involving a large tan bull dog which occurred between two benches at the Lordship Lane entrance to the park at around 4.20pm on 17 April. We are currently unsure if the two incidents are related. We would like to appeal for any information regarding these incidents.”

Anyone with information about the dog or the beating incident should contact the RSPCA complaints line on 0300 123 8018.