A butchered body hacked into pieces was found crammed into a suitcase and a sheet by children playing in the woods in Brazil.

Police in Caieiras, Sao Paulo state, say the victim’s torso had been wrapped up in bedding.

His head and legs were discovered nearby in a case.

The disturbing discovery was made by 11-year-old friends playing by a river on 11th July.

Police say the body parts had apparently been thrown into a gully teeming with thick undergrowth.

Investigators believe the victim is a male aged between 20 and 30 years old.

His butchered body was found still dressed in a T-shirt and shorts.

At the time of reporting, his identity remained a mystery.

It is unclear when the body parts were dumped.

Neighbours had heard dogs barking the night before but said that this was not out of the ordinary.

No one reported having seen anything, and a nearby CCTV camera was not functioning at the time.

Police are now investigating the case, including whether there is any link with a criminal gang or with eight bodies found in Sao Paulo between January and April.