Manhunt launched as young boy's decapitated head found in bag thrown into lake

Police in Moscow have launched a manhunt following the disturbing discovery of a young boy's severed head inside a backpack thrown into Golyanovsky Pond

A manhunt has been launched after the discovery of the severed head of a young boy inside a backpack.

The backpack was thrown into Golyanovsky Pond in Moscow . Initial reports suggest the child was strangled and then beheaded, according to sources citing law enforcement.

The preliminary cause of the boy's death is currently asphyxia. According to Russian site Baza, marks and bruises were found on the child's neck, suggesting forced strangulation.

The schoolboy is yet to be identified but is believed to have been between the ages of seven and 10. Initial reports suggest he was killed two days ago.

A huge search of the lake involving