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A body has been discovered in undergrowth in woods at a Tyneside beauty spot.

Police were called to Newburn Riverside Park in Newcastle on Friday near the Keelman’s Lodge pub after the grim discovery was made.

A huge cordon was flung around the scene, which also included a children’s play park area.

Police stood guard at various points at the nature park stopping dog walkers from entering.

Officers have launched an inquiry to established the circumstances into the death.

John Bannon, 49, of Newburn, Newcastle, is the local council street cleaner who has been working the patch for more than 10 years.

He said: “I come down here every day to have my lunch and sit in the car park, but today I came down and saw the police and the blue tape.

“A lady from the cafe said a body had been found.

“Thousands use this park every day in the summer and many dog walkers use it through the other seasons.

“No one seems to know what has happened but it has got everyone talking.”

John’s wife Susan, 51, who works at Hedley’s Riverside Coffee Shop, said: “I came to work and saw the police and the cordon around the park. I have heard it is an adult body that has been found. It is quite shocking to think that a body was lying in the woods.”

A woman, who did not want to be named, said: “I was in the woods yesterday and a couple in front of me had their dogs that went into the bushes where the body was found and started eating something. I pulled my dog away before it got the chance to start chomping on anything.

“The police aren’t saying anything as yet but I’m sure we’ll find out soon.”

Cyclist Trevor Iceton, 58, from Crawcrook, Gateshead, said: “I was riding by and saw the police van and the police in the nature park. I've heard a body has been found.”

Great grandad John Beeby, 85, of Newburn, said: “I have been walking this route for more than 50 years. I walk every day here but today it is covered with police and blue tape cordoning off where a body has been discovered.

“People come from all over the region to walk their dogs here. It is a beautiful spot.

“It has surprised me that a body has been found here.”

Police were called at 11.30am after being informed a body had been found in undergrowth.

A cordon is likely to remain in place until Saturday evening.

Extra officers are in the area to offer reassurance to the local community.

Newcastle Chief Insp Ali Best said: “A cordon is in place around Newburn Riverside Park to allow us to establish how the body came to be in the park and the circumstances around this death.

“Officers will be in the area and we hope to keep disruption to those wishing to use the park to a minimum. If anyone has any concerns we would urge them to speak to a local officer on patrol.”

Anyone with information that may help police with their enquiries is urged to contact Northumbria Police on 101 ext 69191 quoting reference 448 071114 or Crimestoppers anonyously on 0800 555 111.