A MAN in his 60s died outside a church in Oxford, police have confirmed.
The death at St Frideswide Church on Botley Road was reported at 10.30pm on Tuesday, with the whole churchyard cordoned off throughout today and two blue forensic tents erected on the grass.
THURSDAY UPDATE - Church mourns death in its grounds as police activity continues
Thames Valley Police has confirmed that a man died at the scene and said his next of kin have been informed.
The force described the discovery as 'unexplained' but has not yet released further details of the circumstances.
AT A GLANCE: What we know so far about the Botley Road body
A police cordon guarded by officers and forensic teams remained on Botley Road yesterday evening, and a file on the man's death will be prepared for the coroner.
This video shows the scene at about 11.30am on Wednesday
Earlier, a man who works nearby told the Oxford Mail that an officer informed him of a body being spotted by a passerby.
Clare Sykes, the rector of Osney Benefice, which includes St Frideswide, visited the site at about 8.30am and spoke to police guarding the cordon, who confirmed to her it was a 'crime scene'.
Rev Sykes added that she had notified the bishop of Oxford Steven Croft, the area dean Will Donaldson and the church hierachy at St Frideswide.
She said: "We are praying for all involved."
Three people in forensic gear arrived at the scene around mid-morning, before examining the cordoned off area.
They were seen walking around the churchyard in white boiler suits, while about half a dozen evidence markers were dotted around the site.
One resident revealed she had become concerned about the area around the churchyard, adding that people often slept underneath Osney Bridge between the church and Ferry Hinksey Road.
She said: "I've reported it dozens of times.
"It's very easy to get down under those arches and to hide and sleep down there."
She added: "The churchyard is a quiet little corner at night.
"I used to walk around here late at night, but I don't do that now. I wouldn't feel safe now."
Two eyewitnesses revealed they saw an ambulance with lights flashing parked next to the church at about 3pm on Tuesday, although it is unknown whether this is linked.
The rectory is on the same site as the church and is also cordoned off, with police seen talking at length to one of the assumed occupants.
ALSO IN THE NEWS TODAY: Police officer 'clung to bonnet' as alleged drug dealer sped off
City centre branch of Yo! Sushi set to close - but another restaurant opens next door
Popular Oxford pub to reopen under new name and management
This was the scene at 7.30am
One officer was guarding the scene when the Oxford Mail arrived this morning and another police car had just driven off at speed with its blue lights flashing.
Anyone with any information that could relate to the incident can call 101 quoting URN 1367 5/2.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel