A seaside town has been left in shock after the discovery of a body "without a head" in woodland.
The body was found in Salcombe, Devon and police are treating the death as "unexplained" while an investigation has been launched.
A huge police, ambulance and fire presence remains at the scene two days after the horrific discovery on Sunday.
Bennett Road and Cliff Road have been closed since, Devon Live reports.
Emergency service patrols remain in place as Special Ops tent has been erected next to the woods.
Forensic teams are continuing their investigation into the incident, while police and the Fire Service Welfare Unit remain guarding the scene.
A senior police source has confirmed to Devon Live that the remains have been found without a head.
The police Devon Rural Communities Officer is understood to be meeting with officials in the town and police have confirmed they will maintain a large police presence in coming days.
The discovery has cast a shadow over Salcombe, which is full to overflowing with tourists, Staycationers and second home owners.
A senior police source has confirmed that the body which has been found is definitely not that of Patricia Allen, who disappeared in the town 46 years ago.
A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Enquiries remain ongoing into an unexplained death after a body was found in a wooded area near Bennett Road, Salcombe, on Sunday June 27.
“A number of enquiries will be carried out in Salcombe over the coming days, and it is likely that the local community will continue to see a high level of police activity.
“We thank them for their support and if anyone has any information please email 101@dc.police.uk or call 101, quoting reference number 0700 of Sunday 27 June.”
For many the investigation has brought back memories of the dark shadow cast over the town since the disappearance of young Salcombe mum Patricia Allen and her young children in 1975.
But senior police sources have confirmed to Devon Live that the body found this week is not linked to the murder mystery as they said: "The body that has been found is definitely 100 per cent not that of Patricia Allen."
On Sunday afternoon flash flooding hit South Devon, with water pouring down the steep cliffside in the woods above Salcombe's Cliff Road.
Then at about 5pm a body was found in the woodlands not far from the Salcombe Harbour Hotel.
The woods below Devon Road and above Bennett Road are popular with dog walkers. They are now cordoned off.
