RESIDENTS have spoken of their shock after a body was found close to the gates of a secondary school.

Woodlands School, Takely End, Basildon issued a warning to parents after a man’s body was discovered.

Parents of students who attend Woodlands School were sent a text yesterday morning advising them that one of the entrances to the school was closed due to a “police incident”.

Witnesses reported multiple police cars and a cordon in place.

One woman, who will remain anonymous, said: “I saw two police cars and they had definitely taped off the alleyway near the school.

“I assumed it must have been something really serious because they were trying to protect the scene.

“It’s awful that it happened near the school. I text my friend because I know her daughter goes there and she said the students were already aware.”

A text from the school which was sent to parents yesterday morning stated: “The alleyway by the school is closed due to a police incident.

Essex Police confirmed a man was found dead near the school.

A spokesman for the force said: “We were called to concerns for the welfare of a man at an address in Takely End, Basildon at around 4.35am on Wednesday, January 23.

“We attended and, sadly, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”

An inquest into the circumstances surrounding the man’s death is expected to take place later this year.

Headteacher Simon Cox said: “We would like to offer our condolences to the family and friends of the gentleman. As soon as the school became aware of the situation safeguarding plans were put in place to ensure that the pupils arrived to school safely.

"We would like to thank all of our community for their empathy and understanding at this time.”