A MAN discovered dead outside a well-known bar in Oxford yesterday morning is believed to be someone who had been staying in the city's night shelter.

Thames Valley Police were called to the Ha Ha Bar and Canteen in Castle Street at 7.30am.

Officers cordoned off the area and pitched a small white tent over the body, which was removed shortly before 10am.

A passer-by said: "At about 8am I saw blue police cordon tape.

"There was a large number of police present.

"One officer was taking the names of people entering and leaving the cordon.

"I thought it might possibly be a death."

Police are not treating his death as suspicious.

He has not been formally identified but it is believed he is a man in his 50s who had been staying at Oxford Night Shelter in Luther Street, a charity organisation that helps homeless people.

Shelter director Lesley Dewhurst said she did not know the circumstances surrounding the death, but encouraged any homeless person needing advice or shelter for the night to get in touch.

She said: "It's always tragic when a homeless person dies sleeping rough."

The coroner has been informed.