Police have launched an investigation following the discovery of a priest's body at a church in Scotland.

Fr Bogdan Palka, 61, was identified as the deceased, leading to the temporary closure of the St Mary Magdalene's RC Church in Perth, Scotland on Saturday.

Rev Krzysztof Jablonski, the church's permanent deacon, confirmed Fr Bogdan’s identity and expressed his sorrow to Edinburgh Live: “This is the most desperate and sad situation. I’m lost for words and have no idea what the church will do next. All we can do at this stage is pray for Father Palka,” he said.

A notice on the church's website states all services have been cancelled until further notice.

Fr Bogdan had reportedly been a beloved member of the Perth community for a decade since moving to the church in July 2022.

A Police Scotland spokesperson have said the death is being treated as “unexplained and inquiries are ongoing.”