Police were today investigating two possibilities over the death of a 41-year-old man whose body was found near a children’s play area in Telford, a top detective said.

Neil Williams may have died while he was the victim of a robbery as he walked along a footpath near Churncote, Stirchley, on Thursday night, said Detective Inspector John Elcock.

Mr Williams may also have been taken ill and had his pockets rifled as he lay collapsed on the ground.

“These are the two scenarios which we are considering. Whichever one is correct, it is highly disturbing,” Mr Elcock said.

The body of Mr Williams, a single man who lived in the Calcott area of Stirchley, was discovered at 7.45am on Friday. It is believed he had lain there for several hours.

A number of his personal effects, including his belt, mobile phone, watch, money and training shoes were missing.

A post-mortem examination has proved inconclusive and West Mercia Police are still trying to piece together Mr Williams’s movements in the hours leading to his death.

Mr Elcock added: “This is a disturbing and upsetting incident and the police and of course his family need to know what happened.

“We are keeping an open mind but are basically looking at one of two scenarios – that he died while being robbed or was robbed while he lay collapsed on the ground.”

It is thought Mr Williams was dropped off at Randlay Farmhouse public house at about 9pm on Thursday.

Police are appealing for information. Call Telford Police on 08457 444888 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.