A MURDER investigation has been launched after a man’s body was found.

Police were called to Russell Howard Park at 1.21am on Tuesday morning following reports of a body being found.

Officers remained at the scene in Basingstoke carrying out enquiries.

Police cordoned off the field behind the Limington House School, with officers in the area investigating.

Forensic officers are also at the scene.

Detective chief inspector Liz Williams said: “We are still in the very early stages of this investigation. I would appeal to anyone who was in the area early this morning or who knows anything about this incident to contact us as soon as possible.

“There is likely to be disruption in the local area throughout the day, so I would ask that people are patient while we carry out our enquiries today.”

One dog walker at the scene said: “I walk through this park everyday with my dog and I have never seen anything like this.

“You don’t expect to go for your morning walk and hear a body has been found in the park."

A resident who lives in Margaret Road, and did not wish to be named, said: “I have a small child, so I was up anyway and we saw the flashing lights around 1.30am.

“I managed to go back to sleep but when I woke up around 3am the police were still here and about an hour later the forensic team and ambulance arrived.

“Police have been doing door-to-door knocks this morning, the whole thing is really quite scary being right on your doorstep.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call 101, quoting Operation Dance and the crime reference number 44180066746.