An 11-year-old pupil was left screaming and traumatised after discovering a man's body on her school playing field during a PE lesson this morning, forcing the immediate closure of the secondary school.
Grim Discovery Forces School Closure
Smestow Academy in Windmill Crescent, Castlecroft, Wolverhampton, was closed today following the shocking incident. The discovery was made by a year seven pupil at around 10am, who was part of the first class to use the field this week. The school acted on police advice to shut, with counselling offered to shaken pupils.
West Midlands Police confirmed they were called to a medical emergency on the field at 10.41am. Two ambulances and a paramedic officer attended, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers have since identified the deceased as a 45-year-old man and specialist officers are supporting his family.
Police Piece Together Victim's Final Hours
Detectives have now traced the man's last known movements as they treat his death as unexplained. He was seen on Wheatsheaf Road in Wolverhampton at approximately 1am, which is roughly three-and-a-half miles from the school grounds.
His final sighting was much closer to the scene. He was then spotted on the grounds of Smestow Academy itself at 7.15am. Police are urgently appealing for anyone who saw him between these times to come forward.
The force has released a detailed description of the man's clothing to aid the investigation. He was last seen wearing:
- A distinctive camouflage jacket
- A grey gilet
- Jeans
- A beanie hat
He was also carrying a red rucksack and may have been wearing sunglasses.
Community Reassurance and Appeal for Information
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Poole of the Homicide Unit stated the investigation is in its early stages and urged the public not to speculate. "We know this has caused concern in the community and there will be extra officers in the area for reassurance," he said.
The school is expected to reopen tomorrow. Police are reviewing local CCTV footage to establish the exact circumstances leading to the man's death. Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police by calling 101 or using Live Chat, quoting log number 1452 of 19 January.
