Ocean Village body: What we know so far

The man's body was discovered by police near a block of flats in Channel Way, Ocean Village, just before 7am on Monday.

A large police cordon was set up at the junction between Channel Way and Canute Road and by the flats further down the road.

Several police cars and vans were parked along the road as the incident was being investigated.

Residents and people who work in the area have described the news as "shocking".

READ MORE: Death of man outside flats is 'unexplained', say police

'Gobsmacked'

One woman, who did not want to be named, said: "I think it’s shocking. I’ve just been to see my son, it’s very sad."

Others were unsure what the police cordon was for until they heard the news.

One man who works in the area said: "I’m quite gobsmacked. I thought it might have been a road incident."

Another resident added: "It’s shocking really, it’s unexpected. Considering the amount of people that come to Ocean Village, it’s a reasonably quiet area."

"It's awful, but I'm not shocked, especially in today's society," a nearby business owner said.

'Unexplained'

Police remained at the scene for much of the day and in the afternoon, a white, forensic tent was put up outside the flats.

The heavy police presence was slowing down rush hour traffic on Canute Road on Monday morning, though residents and workers were allowed access.

Officers have confirmed the man's death is being treated as unexplained but non-suspicious. A file is being prepared for the coroner.

Tributes

Paying tribute to the man on the Daily Echo's Facebook page, Kat Annells said: "Awful my heart goes out to the family of this man."

"Rip to whoever has died thoughts with the family and friends," said Lisa Caroline Williams.

Chloe Gale added: "Thoughts go out to the man's family and friends and also the person/s who found this gentleman may be rest in peace."

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