A man’s body was found lying on a footpath just yards from a children’s play area in Telford today.A police investigation was launched after the grim discovery on the pathway between Churncote and Culmington in Stirchley. Police are appealing for help in identifying the man.

A team of about 20 detectives and uniformed officers were drafted in today, but Detective Inspector John Elcock, leading officer, admitted this afternoon they did not know who the man was.

He said no-one had been reported missing in the Telford area.

Residents who live in properties closest to the scene opened their curtains to discover the body.

A white tent was put up by police around the body, which was on a footpath running through Stirchley, and the area was cordoned off.

Mr Elcock made an urgent appeal for anybody whose friend, relative or neighbour did not come home last night to contact police.

“We still haven’t identified this male and that’s our main priority,” he said.

“Nobody has reported anyone missing. I would urge anybody who might know who this man is to come forward. It is still being treated as suspicious until we know more about the circumstances.”

He said it was not a murder investigation at this stage and the coroner had been informed of the death.

A post mortem was expected to be carried out this afternoon.

Steve Regan, 28, of Churncote, was the first to ring police about the body.

He said he woke at 7.30am and opened his curtains 10 minutes later when he saw the body. He said: “I looked out of the window and saw him. I thought he may have been a drunk.

“I am very surprised. We have got children and it’s not the sort of thing you look out of the window and expect to see. The reason we rang the police was because we thought a drunken person would have woken up and made his way home, but he didn’t move.”

The dead man is described as being in his 50s to 60s with short greying and balding hair, of medium to stocky build and average height. He was wearing blue jeans and a white T-shirt with blue trim.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Telford police on 08457 444888.

By Kirsty Marston