Body in St John's Car Park in Colchester 'not suspicious'

Essex Police was called to Colchester city centre yesterday morning after a Colchester Council employee found a body in the St John’s Car Park.

A man in his 30s was pronounced dead at the scene.

The car park remained closed for most of the day while officers completed inquiries.

A police officer outside the entrance to the car park in Southway (Image: Newsquest)

The force initially said the death was being treated as “unexpected”, but officers have today confirmed the death is now considered “non-suspicious”.

A police spokesman said: “Officers investigating after the discovery of a man’s body in Colchester are in a position to confirm his death is now being treated as non-suspicious.

“We were called to concerns for the welfare of a man at St John’s Car Park shortly after 8.30am yesterday (Wednesday, February 14).

“Sadly, the man, aged in his 30s, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

“His family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. A file is now being prepared for the coroner.”

A police cordon was in place at the car park's entrance in the St John's shopping precinct (Image: Newsquest)

The Gazette understands the top floors of the car park were closed after the body was found before the whole car park was closed soon after.

Motorists who had used the car park earlier in the day reported they had eventually been able to leave the car park after being escorted to their cars by police officers.

Speaking after the incident, city centre councillor Richard Kirkby-Taylor said: “It is a very shocking discovery. I hope that the council employee who found the body is doing ok and that we make sure they receive any support that they need.”

He added his thoughts were with the family and friends of the person involved and that he hoped they receive the necessary support.