A BURNING body was mysteriously found hanging from a tree in Los Angeles' famous Griffith Park.
Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly after 1pm on Tuesday when horrified passersby noticed a blaze.
The fire were engulfing a tree near a merry-go-round and the Los Angeles Zoo in the popular park, police said.
Firefighters doused the flames before noticing a human body was horrifically hanging in the centre.
They said the person was already dead when they arrived, but her body was still burning, the Los Angeles Fire Department said.
Authorities have yet to identify the victim in wake of the gruesome discovery.
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Their age, gender, and race currently remain unknown but officials are hoping to begin attempting to locate a next of kin.
Officers have been trawling the area for evidence while looking for clues to help identify the body.
LAPD Detective Michael Ventura said: "There are no indicators of foul play," adding that he believes the victim may be of a "local transient".
Cops were forced to guard the harrowing scene until a coroner arrived to remove the body.
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An LAFD spokeswoman told The Los Angeles Times: "It’s a death investigation. We’re assisting with body recovery."
A film crew was shooting nearby in the park, though it was not clear if a member of the crew alerted park rangers to the fire.
An investigation into the mysterious death has now been launched.
Griffith Park is best known for its attractions including the Hollywood Sign, LA Zoo and the Autry Museum of the American West.
It is one of the most iconic municipal parks in North America thanks to its regular appearances in films such as The Terminator and Star Trek.
Its land sprawls across 4,210 acres in the Los Feliz neighbourhood.
The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks explained: "Situated in the eastern Santa Monica Mountain range, the Park’s elevations range from 384 to 1,625 feet above sea level.
"With an arid climate, the Park’s plant communities vary from coastal sage scrub, oak and walnut woodlands to riparian vegetation with trees in the Park’s deep canyons."
The body of a hiker was also discovered in Griffith Park back in April this year – with his loyal pet dog lay beside him.
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Oscar Alejandro Hernandez, 29, was found in a remote area of the Greenland after being reported missing on March 16.
His beloved Golden Retriever, named King, was severely emaciated but survived the ordeal before Oscar was found.
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