Ten-year-old boys find man dead near children’s play park after suspected suicide

Two ten-year-old boys found a man’s body near a children’s play park in Swindon.

Emergency services were called to a copse in Westcott Recreation Ground, off Wootton Bassett Road, by a member of the public on Friday afternoon (26 August).

After the children, who had been playing in the area, located the man’s body in the trees, they rushed to alert a passing dog walker – who subsequently called 999.

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An ambulance and numerous police vehicles were spotted at the scene, along with detectives from Swindon CID who attended to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death.

It’s believed the man died by suicide, but only an inquest can rule on his cause of death.

“It is sad, our mental health system is shocking right now and the after care”, one of the boy’s parents said.

Adding: “My priority is my son’s mental health after seeing what he has seen. I have mixed feelings about the situation.

“I feel bad for the man and his family but it’s also bad that it was done near a park and my child or any other child could of found and seen that.”

In a statement following the incident, Wiltshire Police said: “We can confirm the body of a man in his 30s was located in the Wootton Bassett Road area of Swindon yesterday afternoon.

“His death is not being treated as suspicious and our thoughts are with his family.”

If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out for support. Contact the Samaritans in confidence and for free, 24 hours a day 365 days a year, on 116 123. You can also visit our page of Mental Health Helplines to view a list of relevant organisations.

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