Police were today probing the “suspicious” death of man whose body was found in Hyde Park.
Officers were called to the scene close to Speakers’ Corner at 5.50am after a member of the public found the the body near a wooded area.
Police said the man had sustained injuries, but it was too early to determine cause of death.
Witnesses said the body was found clothed lying on the floor with a bag nearby, close to a public toilet block.
Joggers, cyclists and commuters were being diverted away from the scene as forensic officers and sniffer dogs combed the area.
One witness, who was on his way to work and asked not to be named, said: “I was walking past at about 7.45 and noticed all the police fence and officers cordoning off a huge area.
“I didn’t understand what it was all for until I noticed a man lying down, between a group of trees.
“It was a dead body, he looked like he had fallen asleep in the grass. He was on his back with his legs slightly crossed.
“I couldn’t believe there was a dead body just lying there a few feet away from me in full view.”
The cordoned off area is near The LookOut, a private hire event space set in landscaped gardens used for parties and wedding receptions.
Hyde Park is closed to the public between midnight and 5am.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “Police in Westminster were called to Hyde Park at approximately 5.50am after a member of the public found a man with injuries.
“Officers attended and found a man deceased. This incident is being treated as suspicious. No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.
“Next of kin have not been informed. Cordons are currently in place.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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