Body of man is discovered in school ‘by college students on the brink of do PE’ – as police launch probe into discovery

Police have launched an investigation after the body of a man was discovered in the grounds of a school – just as pupils were set to go outside for PE.

Emergency services were called to Smestow Academy in Castlecroft, Wolverhampton, at around 10.40am today. 

Locals have suggested the body was discovered by a pupil at the school as they gathered outside for class.

Children have been sent home and the school has been closed while an investigation is carried out by police – prompting scenes of anxious staff outside the entrance.

A blue forensics tent was later erected to shield the discovery from public view. The scene was also cordoned off with police tape. 

One mother watched the discovery unfold from the other side of a fence that divides the school’s playing fields from Smestow Valley Nature Park.

She said: ‘We were walking slowly and we noticed something happening at the school. One of the teachers radioed, they said “major incident, member of the public found”.

‘I asked if he was alright and they said they were unsure. Another teacher came to see if he was alive. It was quite clear that he wasn’t. When I got there, it looked as if he’d just been found.’

A school in Wolverhampton has closed after a body was discovered in the playground today

Emergency services were called to Smestow Academy (pictured) at 10.40am – as pupils were thought to be heading outside for PE

She added: ‘It was right at the bottom of the field and the teacher wouldn’t be there unless some kids had found him and let him know.

‘It’s likely that the kids found him and then told a teacher. You can’t get to the school field where I walked; you have to go through the school gates.

‘It would’ve been all locked up, unless he jumped over the fence.

‘It’s a really scenic spot, it’s not what you’d expect.’

West Midlands Police says it is working to confirm the man’s identity and to establish the circumstances of his death.

A force spokesman said: ‘We’re currently at Smestow Academy after a discovery of the body in the grounds.

‘Emergency services were called at around 10.40am today, and the man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

‘Enquiries are now underway to confirm the man’s identity and the circumstances around his death.

‘The school is closing to pupils as enquiries get underway. Anyone with information has been asked to get in touch via Live Chat or 101, quoting log 1452 of 19 January.’

One local who came across the scene shortly after the discovery said it was likely pupils had found the man and reported it to staff

Smestow Academy said it will open as normal from tomorrow, with specialist support on hand for any upset children.

‘As you will be aware, Police told us to close school today because of an incident unconnected with Smestow Academy,’ it said on its website.

‘As reported on Wolverhampton Police’s Facebook page, a body was found at the edge of the grounds and enquiries are now underway to confirm the man’s identity and the circumstances around his death.

‘Police asked us to close so they could make headway with their investigation… (and) have now given us the go ahead to open as usual tomorrow. 

‘There will be pupil assemblies throughout the morning to reassure them. If your child has been affected, they can speak with their Head of House who will be able to provide specialist support.’

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: ‘We were called to a medical emergency in a field on Windmill Crescent, Castlecroft, Wolverhampton at 10.41am today.

‘Two ambulances and a paramedic officer responded to the scene where, sadly, one man was confirmed deceased.’