POLICE are investigating the discovery of a piece of skin bearing a tattoo in Saltoun Big Wood.

Parts of the woodlands, near West Saltoun, were cordoned off after a dog walker made the gruesome find on Tuesday afternoon.

Although initial fears were that the find was human, it is now thought more likely to belong to an animal.

However the police investigation is ongoing as they wait on test results on the skin.

A Police Scotland spokesperson: "Police were called to an area in Saltoun Woods, East Lothian around 4pm on Tuesday following the discovery of unidentified organic material.

"Enquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances and source of material."