An urgent police investigation has been launched following the grim discovery of a body in a river on the Norfolk Broads on New Year's Day.
Emergency Services Rush to Scenic Location
Officers and paramedics were dispatched to the River Waveney near the picturesque Beccles Marshes in Norfolk in the early hours of Wednesday, 1 January 2026. The alarm was raised after the body was found in the water close to a flyover bridge, a location typically popular with walkers and anglers.
Fishermen present at the scene reported that the body was recovered from the river, after which police cordons were swiftly established. Several police cars and forensic vans were seen lining the riverside as officers closed off sections of a nearby public footpath to begin their work.
Disturbing Discovery Near Moored Boats
One boat owner described the unsettling find, revealing that the body was located in the water just inches from their moored vessel. The proximity to leisure craft at a normally tranquil beauty spot has added to the shock of the incident.
A man who had travelled to the area for a day's fishing provided a witness account of the morning's events. "They brought a body out of the river this morning," he said. "We got here at about 7.30am, and there was everything here - police, fire engines and ambulances. Then, later on, they put the police tape up, and they're not letting anyone through."
Another angler who arrived later stated: "I heard that they found a body, but I've only just got here, so I don't know anymore than that."
Investigation Underway in Popular Beauty Spot
The Beccles Marshes, known for their scenic walks and wildlife, have been transformed into a major crime scene. The presence of forensic teams indicates a detailed examination of the location is now taking place.
Suffolk Police are leading the probe into the circumstances surrounding the death. While the identity of the deceased and the cause of death have not been disclosed, the discovery has cast a pall over the popular Norfolk Broads beauty spot on what was the first day of the new year.
The investigation remains in its early stages, with officers expected to be at the location for some time as they gather evidence and seek to establish the full sequence of events.
