The unidentified woman, who was wearing a tracksuit and believed to be in her forties, was discovered in a forest outside St Petersburg, Russia, with just her head above ground

The woman was found dead in a forest near St Petersburg, Russia

Police have found the body of a woman who was “buried alive” at a forest in Russia.

The woman was found semi-buried in a forest between St Petersburg and suburb Yuntolovo, home to more than 10,000 people.

A 36-year-old man walking in the forest discovered the macabre remains around a month ago, say police.

The woman, who was wearing a tracksuit and is believed to be in her forties, has not been identified. A gold chain was found in her pocket.

Reports say the woman was buried around seven days ago and it was likely she was alive at the time she was put there.

She was unable to free herself from the hole and had several ‘small wounds’ on her head.

Her corpse had been sent for an autopsy and authorities are awaiting the results.