Dead body found inside barrel washed ashore at Malibu beach

Police discovered the dead body of a male victim inside a barrel after it washed up at a beach in Malibu, California.

The 55-gallon barrel was found on Monday, 31 July by a lifeguard who reported the discovery to the sheriff's department.

Officials said deputies called to the scene helped remove the barrel from the water and opened it up.

Upon opening the drum, officers discovered the remains of an unknown male victim.

Police said they do not know the cause of death, but the man in the barrel was found without clothing.

With the discovery of the body, a homicide investigation is underway.