A man was found dead on an allotment in Middlesbrough and police investigators, including forensic officers in protective suits, continued to examine the site a day after the discovery.
Cleveland Police said the death was being treated as unexplained and that there had been no arrests. Officers remained at Town Farm Allotments, off Cargo Fleet Lane, as enquiries were in the early stages and the force appealed for anyone with information to contact them.
Neighbouring plotholders described the scene as "swarmed" by police after the body was discovered on Tuesday, Sept. 9. Witnesses and allotment holders told local media officers had taped off at least two areas of the site and stood guard, with one area reported to be where a phone call had been made. Plotholders were being allowed onto the site only to feed animals and were escorted in and out individually.
A 62-year-old man who has maintained a plot at the allotments for 10 years told TeessideLive he had been unable to tend his chickens and ducks for two days and had been escorted in to feed them. Other allotment holders said officers were at the scene overnight and that crime-scene teams were present into the late hours.
Cleveland Police said the deceased had not yet been identified. The force asked anyone with relevant information to call 101 and quote reference 172626, or to provide information anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Investigators in white forensic suits were seen combing the site as officers examined the taped-off areas. Police advised the public that enquiries were ongoing and that further details would be released when appropriate.
The discovery has prompted concern among community members who rely on the allotments for food and small-scale livestock. Officials have not disclosed details about the cause of death, and detectives emphasised the matter remains an active investigation.