Police and forensic officers descended on a woodland area in Gateshead yesterday afternoon following the discovery of a man's body, with authorities confirming the death is not being treated as suspicious.
Emergency Response to Woodland Scene
Northumbria Police received a report concerning the welfare of a man shortly before 4pm on Tuesday, January 20th, prompting a swift emergency response to a small wooded area near the intersection of Old Durham Road, Split Crow Road, and Shipcoate Terrace in Gateshead.
Witnesses reported a significant police presence at the location, with officers establishing a cordon around the woodland and forensic teams entering and exiting the scene throughout the evening. The North East Ambulance Service confirmed they dispatched a clinical team leader and a double-crewed ambulance to the junction of Old Durham Road and Split Crow Road shortly after 3.45pm.
Police Statement on the Incident
In an official statement released this afternoon, Northumbria Police confirmed the tragic outcome of the incident. "Sadly, upon emergency service arrival, a man in his 50s was found dead at the scene," a police spokesperson stated.
The spokesperson added: "The man's next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this time. The man's death is not being treated as suspicious by officers and a report has been made for the coroner."
According to local reports, the police cordon that covered the woodland area off Old Durham Road, near the junction between Shipcote Terrace and Split Crow Road, was removed this morning following the completion of initial investigations.
Community Impact and Investigation Status
The discovery has understandably caused concern in the local community, with the substantial police presence drawing attention to the normally quiet woodland area. The swift response from multiple emergency services underscores the seriousness with which such reports are treated, even when initial indications suggest no foul play.
With the death not being treated as suspicious, the focus now shifts to the coroner's investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the man's passing. The standard procedure in such cases involves preparing a report for the coroner who will oversee any necessary inquiries into the cause of death.
The removal of the police cordon this morning indicates that forensic teams have completed their initial work at the scene, allowing normal access to resume to the woodland area that serves as a green space for local residents.
