Police have launched an urgent investigation after the body of a man was discovered within the grounds of a Wolverhampton secondary school, moments before pupils were due to go outside for a physical education lesson.
Discovery During School Hours
Emergency services were called to Smestow Academy in Castlecroft at approximately 10.40am on Friday, 19 January. The grim discovery was made at the foot of the school's playing fields, near a football net. According to local accounts, it is believed a pupil may have first come across the body as classes were gathering to go outside.
The school was immediately closed, with anxious parents collecting their children. Staff were seen gathered outside the entrance as the situation unfolded. One mother, who witnessed events from the adjacent Smestow Valley Nature Park, described seeing teachers respond to what was initially called a "major incident" involving a member of the public.
Police and Forensic Response
West Midlands Police confirmed they were working to establish the circumstances surrounding the man's death and to formally identify him. A force spokesperson stated the man was pronounced dead at the scene. The area was swiftly cordoned off with police tape, and a blue forensics tent was erected to shield the site from view.
The eyewitness from the nature park recounted the moment teachers arrived. "I asked if he was alright and they said they were unsure," she said. "Another teacher came to see if he was alive. It was quite clear that he wasn't." She suggested the location, a scenic spot bordered by a fence, was not easily accessible to the public, speculating the man may have entered by jumping the perimeter.
School Closure and Support for Pupils
In a statement on its website, Smestow Academy confirmed the closure was on police advice due to an incident "unconnected with" the school itself. The school announced it would reopen as normal on Monday, 22 January, with assemblies planned to reassure students. Specialist support will be available for any children affected by the distressing event.
West Midlands Ambulance Service sent two ambulances and a paramedic officer to the scene on Windmill Crescent following the 10.41am call, but the man was confirmed deceased. Police are urging anyone with information to contact them via Live Chat or by calling 101, quoting log number 1452 of 19 January.
