Police condemn 'shameful act' after photos of Emiliano Sala's body emerge

Police are investigating after a photo believed to show the body of football star Emiliano Sala was shared online.

Sala died in January when a plane taking him to the UK crashed into the English Channel.

The 28-year-old was on his way to link up with Premier League side Cardiff City following a transfer from French club Nantes.

His body was found in the wreckage on February 8 following a private salvage mission.

It emerged on Saturday that photos of Sala's body in a morgue had been posted online.

Dorset Police condemned the sharing of pictures and immediately opened an investigation.

"We are aware that a picture reported to be of Mr Sala's body has been shared on social media channels and are disgusted that somebody did this," a spokesman said.

"It is clearly a very difficult time for Mr Sala's family and they should not have to endure additional pain that this shameful act will undoubtedly cause.

"We are investigating this incident and are working together with a number of agencies to establish how the picture was taken and who is responsible."

The sickening development is a further blow for the footballer's family, after Sala's father died from a suspected heart attack.

Argentine media reported Horacio Sala, 58, passed away suddenly in his hometown of Progreso this week.

Local politician Julio Muller told Argentine media that the Sala patriarch has struggled immensely after his son’s tragic death.

“He could never get over Emi’s death,” he said.

“2019 doesn’t let up in shocking us with news in this town.

“At 5 o’clock in the morning, a lady, his wife, rang me and she was very upset. The doctors were there but when I arrived at their home, he had already died.”

Speaking to Argentine media back in February, Mr Sala expressed his heartbreak over the fate of his son.

“I cannot believe it. This is a dream. A bad dream. I am desperate,” he said.

“He was a lad who always fought for what he had.”