Horror as body found in popular Northamptonshire spot on Easter weekend

Police have released an update after a man's body was found in a popular walking spot.

The body was discovered by a member of the public in Irthlingborough, around 6am on . He was pronounced by paramedics, while officers arrived on scene to seal off the area. The body has since been identified by police, and his family have been informed. His cause of death is currently being treated as "unexplained", police said, though the circumstances are not being treated as suspicious. Officers have now removed a cordon in place around the area earlier today. A post-mortem is due to take place in the next few days.

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A statement from said: "Police sealed off an area of Irthlingborough following the discovery of a man’s body early today (Easter Day).

"A member of the public called police after finding the body just before 6am in a green space popular with local dog walkers, close to McGibbon Walk.

"The man was pronounced dead by paramedics a short time later.

"Steps were taken to confirm his identity and his next of kin have now been informed.

"A police cordon that was in place earlier has now been removed.

"The cause of death is unexplained, but is not being treated as suspicious.

"A standard post-mortem investigation will take place in the coming days."

What do police do when they find a body?

In Britain, when police find a dead body, they first make efforts to secure the scene and inform the coroner if the death is unexpected, unnatural, or suspicious.

Police officers gather initial information about the body, and check for any signs of injury.

Often, a victim holding audit area (VHAA) will be established at the scene.

This is a temporary structure where a deceased person's body or human remains retrieved from the scene can be initially be taken.

After this, the body will be transferred to a designated mortuary.

It is then up to senior officers to decide if an investigation is needed, or if the case should be referred to the coroner.

If no crime is connected with the find, police will inform the family and the coroner will take over.