The discovery of a body under a tree near Speakers' Corner in London's Hyde Park is being treated as suspicious by police.

Police have set up a large cordon following what an officer at the scene called an "unexplained death".

A member of the public found the man with injuries shortly before 6am and the victim had died when officers arrived at the scene, the Metropolitan Police said.

At least 30 officers were at the park, with investigators in white crime scene suits seen erecting a tent over the body.

Image: Police were called shortly before 6am on Friday morning

Officers could be seen searching the cordon as they placed markers in a trail across the area where the man was found.


One officer was heard telling a member of the public that the incident "happened in the last couple of hours and we are trying to get to the bottom of it".

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "We were called at 05.50am this morning following concerns for the welfare of a man.

"Officers attended and found a man deceased. The incident is being treated as suspicious - no arrests have been made at this time. Inquiries continue."

Image: The Met said the man's next of kin have not been informed

The force said next of kin have not yet been told and asked anyone with information to contact them.

A man who lives close to the park, who gave his name only as Lee, said: "I was walking with my dog and it was very obvious there was a lot going on up ahead of me.

"Once I got there I realised there was a major crime scene - they were in the midst of finishing taping it off.

"Under the trees I could just make out what appeared to be a body with an aluminium blanket over it."

He said seeing a body in the park where he takes his pet on a daily basis came "as a bit of a shock".

The 45-year-old added: "When you're up early and walking the dog you don't think you're going to stumble across all the police and a crime scene like that."