A MAN'S body was discovered in open space near Fareham today.

Police were called to Titchfield Common, near Primate Road, after a body was found near a children's play area about 11.35am.

At this time the death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokeswoman said they will not be in a position to name the deceased until formal identification has been completed.

An eye witness who saw the body said she was walking her dog and had popped into say hello to her mother whose house overlooks the area.

She added she was on her way back when she saw two police officers and a body lying face down on the ground.

“I don’t think it was there when I walked across about 10.30am to 11am but on my way back I saw two police officers and a man saying there it was - I then saw the body facing down. I saw it for a few seconds before they scurried me away and cordoned off a section of the park.

“I was really shocked, it is the last thing I would expect to see on a beautiful Boxing Day morning.

“Judging from their clothes, I think it was a young person. I don’t think the body could have been there all night. My friend had walked passed earlier in the morning and did not see anything.

“I was very saddened... A lot of families will be upset today. It is that time of year you don’t want bad news.”

Councillor Jack Englefield said: “I have had several calls from residents. It is very sad and not something you would expect to see on Boxing Day or any day for that matter.

“It was near an open play area for children which a lot of dog walkers walk passed. I don’t think they could have been there all night because of the amount of people who use the park.”