'Suspicious' dead man due to be named

A SUFFOLK community is today in shock after a man's body was found on an isolated country track.

The body, which was believed to have been found with a bag over its head, was discovered by the side of the road close to the B1120 at New Road, not far from Brabling Green, near Framlingham yesterday afternoon.

Suffolk police are treating the death as suspicious and have launched an appeal for information.

They are expected to name the man today after a post mortem examination.

The body was found at around 12.45pm by a woman walking along the single-track road and police cordoned off the area for several hours while forensic experts examined the scene.

Last night police refused to confirm local reports that the man had been found with a bag over his head.

Residents in nearby Framlingham have expressed their shock at the news.

Wallace Rose, of New Road, said: “It's not what you expect to hear in a place like this.

“We've seen police milling about throughout the afternoon and wandered what was going on.

“To hear that somebody has died is horrible - especially near Christmas and in freezing cold weather.

“It doesn't bear thinking about. My thoughts are with the victim's family right now.”

Ivan Ross, also of New Road, added: “What a terrible thing to happen before Christmas - I'm absolutely stunned. I have friends who go dog walking in that area and I prey to god it's not one of them.

“This is a quiet town and the nearby villages are close-knit places where everyone knows each other.

“I've lived here for many years and never known anything serious happen like this.”

Another resident, who asked not to be identified, said: “We heard it on the radio and couldn't believe it.

“Word of mouth gets round quickly here and everyone seems to be shocked right now.”

Anyone who has been in this area in the past few days and saw anything - people or vehicles - in the vicinity is asked to call Suffolk police on 01473 613500.