Five dogs have been seized from an iconic Sydney property after a man – suspected by police to be a trespasser – was found dead in a suspected fatal attack.

The body of a 23-year-old man was discovered near the unmistakeable Saturn’s Rings property in Badgally Rd, Eschol Park about midday on Wednesday.

NSW Police confirmed five dogs had been seized from the property and taken to an animal shelter to be euthanised.

Speaking to the media on Friday, NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said it was “a terrible set of circumstances”.

The property itself is known as Mount Universe or Saturn’s Rings, and was once the headquarters of a spiritual movement known as the Universal Power World Society.

Built by Polish immigrant Stefan Dzwonnik, construction on the bizarre property began in 1979 and continued for years, according to the Campbelltown City Library Local Information Blog.

Dzwonnik had planned for it to become the “mecca for a world-wide movement directed toward a better life on Earth”, according to the blog.

The property’s unique design was modelled on the rings of planet Saturn and Dzwonnik had designed the upper floors to be for his family, while the remaining two levels were reserved for members of his society.

Stefan died in 2018 – with the property remaining in the hands of his family since, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon on Friday added that the victim of the attack was likely a trespasser at the property.

“We don’t know the circumstances by which that male was on the premises. He certainly doesn’t appear to be a resident of the location,” Mr Lanyon said.

In a statement issued on Friday, NSW Police confirmed Campbelltown investigators along with Campbelltown Council Rangers attended the Eschol Park property and seized five dogs.

“At the scene, a 53-year-old man was treated for a minor hand injury,” a spokesperson said.

“The dogs were taken to the animal shelter to be euthanised.

“Extensive investigations are continuing.”

Anybody with information on in the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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