A man was found hanged in Isabella Plantation this morning.

Police were called at 8.10am and attended the plantation, in Richmond Park, shortly after.

The plantation, a renowned beauty spot in the popular royal park, was cordoned off by police.

They found a man thought to be in his 40s. The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

Jim Phipps was walking in the park this morning and said: "I was in Richmond Park this morning and there was a private black ambulance and it looked like they were carrying a body out.

"I didn’t know what was going on, whether someone had died or how it had happened.

"It is very sad indeed.

"It is so sad that should happen.

"I live in New Malden and use the park as much as I can. I was going to ask questions but thought I had better not.

"It looked as though someone had died as it was all covered up."

Richard Gray of the Friends of Richmond Park, was unaware of the incident, but said: "It is a dreadful shock and just awful. I am very saddened by it."