An investigation has been launched after the unidentified body of a man was found in woods close to a Bradford hotel.

Police have been unable to find out who the man is. His body was discovered among trees behind the Etap Hotel on Canal Road this morning.

The grim discovery was made by police officers on a routine patrol in the area who spotted what turned out to be the body of a man.

So far police who are looking into the death say they do not believe that it is as a result of suspicious activity.

The man is thought to have been homeless and police believe he may actually have been living in the small area of woodland just off one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares. The body is undergoing a number of tests in a bid to determine the cause of death and identify the man.

Anyone who thinks they know who it might be is asked to get in touch with Bradford Coroner’s office. The coroner will be opening an inquest into the death once more details have been gleaned.

The number is (01274) 376510.

The Etap hotel is part of a budget chain which recently opened its Bradford facility on Prince Court, overlooking Canal Road.

The closely-planted trees that run behind the hotel are surprisingly dense in areas and it is believed they could provide cover for someone living there.