RESIDENTS have spoken of their shock after the body of a man was found on grassland on a Bradford estate.

A police forensic tent was set up at the scene just off Bishopdale Holme, Buttershaw, after the discovery just before 6am yesterday morning.

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Police said the man, who has yet to be named, was believed to be aged in his 40s.

The conditions at the scene were bitterly cold yesterday morning as officers carried out their investigations.

A host of houses on Bishopdale Holme were cordoned off while the police probe continued inside a white forensic tent on the grassland in between the properties.

Initial investigations suggest there are no suspicious circumstances, but police are appealing for any potential witnesses, or anyone with any further information, to come forward.

But Bishopdale Holme residents, who live opposite the scene, spoke of seeing the police investigation taking place.

Carole Pattison said: "It's awful that it's happened on your doorstep.

"You don't expect to wake up to something like that. It is like something out of a film.

"The first thing I knew about it was when I woke up this morning.

"Police were everywhere when I looked out of my window. The street was full of police."

Fellow neighbour Tracy Bebb said: "The police came here at about 6am.

"Nobody round here had heard anything about it.

"People were saying there were no injuries on him."

A resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "I was driving past when I saw a police transit van driving off.

"I saw a tent and thought 'What has happened here?'"

Councillor Val Slater (Lab, Royds) echoed the views of the residents. She said: "It's distressing when someone dies like that, we don't know the circumstances yet.

"It seems quite tragic. He is somebody's loved one.

"I was informed by the police. It was shocking.

"As it was a popular route for children going to school, things were covered up as far as possible."

Detective Superintendent Nick Wallen, of Protective Services (Homicide and Major Enquiry Team), confirmed the body of the man was found and appealed for more information.

He said: "At just before 6am, police were called to Bishopdale Holme, Bradford, following the discovery of a body.

"Officers attended and found the body of a man, believed to be in his 40s.

"His death is not believed to be suspicious at this time.

"Our enquiries are continuing into this incident and anyone with information is asked to call 101."

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