Police Investigation Continues After Man's Body Discovered at Wolverhampton School
West Midlands Police have confirmed they are treating the death of a man whose body was found on the grounds of Smestow Academy in Wolverhampton as unexplained. The 45-year-old was discovered with injuries on Monday morning and pronounced dead at the scene, sparking a thorough investigation by specialist detectives.
Timeline of Events and Police Appeal for Information
The man was last seen at 1am on Monday on Wheatsheaf Road in Wolverhampton, according to police statements. He was then spotted on the school grounds, located on Windmill Crescent, at approximately 7.15am. Officers are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the surrounding area to piece together the circumstances leading to his death.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Poole has issued a public appeal, urging people not to speculate while the investigation remains in its early stages. The man was described as wearing a distinctive camouflage jacket, grey gilet, jeans, and a beanie hat, and was carrying a red rucksack. He may have also been wearing sunglasses at the time.
School Closure and Reopening Plans
Smestow Academy closed early on Monday and remained shut throughout Tuesday to allow police to conduct their investigation without disruption. In a statement, the school confirmed that a body had been found at the edge of the school grounds and emphasised that the incident was not connected to the school itself.
The academy announced it will reopen as usual on Wednesday, with pupil assemblies scheduled throughout the morning to provide reassurance to students and staff. A school spokesperson explained, "Police asked us to close so they could make headway with their investigation. The police have now given us the go ahead to open as usual tomorrow."
Community Impact and Police Reassurance
West Midlands Police acknowledged that the incident has caused concern within the local community. To address this, extra officers will be deployed in the area to provide reassurance and maintain public safety. Detective Chief Inspector Poole added, "We know this has caused concern in the community and there will be extra officers in the area for reassurance."
Specialist detectives are also providing support to the man's loved ones during what police described as a tragic time. The force reiterated its commitment to establishing exactly what happened, with the investigation ongoing and no further details released at this stage.
