A severed horse's head has been discovered on a Sicilian businessman's property in a chilling mafia-style threat echoing scenes from The Godfather.
A construction contractor made the grim discovery in the cab of a bulldozer in Altofonte, near regional capital Palermo - sparking an immediate response from Italy's heavily-armed Special Operations Unit, which covers organised crime.
The businessman is reported to be a well-known figure in his local community who regularly undertakes building work for local councils.
Palermo has historically been a Mafia stronghold in Sicily - with the whole island having been forced to endure the influence of the notorious Cosa Nostra for more than a century.
Italy's heavily-armed Special Operations Unit is investigating (file photo)
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While across Italy, organised crime groups are known to exert their influence over the construction industry.
One local newspaper described the discoveries as "like scenes from a horror movie" - though the horse's head draws parallels with Francis Ford Coppola's classic mobster flick instead.
But the gruesome warning didn't stop there.
Police also revealed that 'mafiosi' had also brutally slaughtered a pregnant cow and placed its unborn calf on the animal's body in a second menacing threat.
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The incident has drawn comparisons to The Godfather
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The intimidation tactics have sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community, with local authorities voicing their grave concern over the return of such brutal methods of intimidation.
Altofonte's Mayor Angela De Luca said: "I'm left shocked... I just can't fathom the depth of depravity and barbarity."
She also pledged her solidarity with the businessman, whom she called "a trusted member of the local community."
Local politician Edy Tamajo condemned what he called a "vile act," declaring: "This act of unheard-of cruelty represents a mafia mentality that must be eradicated."
"It is essential that the Carabinieri and the judiciary shed full light on this episode and bring those responsible to justice," he said.
Police are actively investigating the incident, checking CCTV footage and speaking to the businessman.
The President of the Order of Architects of the Province of Palermo, Iano Monaco, issued a statement expressing "solidarity and support for the entrepreneur who was the victim of violent intimidation."
The organisation stands ready to provide assistance to the victim in any way possible, Monaco said.
The incident bears a striking resemblance to the iconic scene from the 1972 film The Godfather, in which a horse's head is placed in a movie producer's bed.
In the film, which stars Marlon Brando as Don Vito Corleone, the gruesome warning is delivered after the producer refuses to cast Corleone's godson.
It later infamously emerged that the movie used a real horse's head obtained from a local slaughterhouse.
