Police blocked access to a Swindon lagoon for hours following the discovery of a body in the water.

The emergency services attended the Raychem Lagoon between Rodbourne and Cheney Manor Industrial Estate on Saturday afternoon.

Several police cars, ambulances, fire engines, and a forensic investigation unit van were parked around Brindley Close.

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The gated path that leads to the beauty spot was cordoned off by police tape into the late hours of the evening.

The forensics van left the scene at around 8pm while two police cars remained near the cordon.

A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said: “We have set up a cordon near the lagoon in Rodbourne, Swindon, following the discovery of a male body.

“While conducting a missing person investigation in Swindon, officers in conjunction with our emergency services partners located a body in a lagoon near Cheney Manor Industrial Estate.

Swindon Advertiser: Police cordoned off the lagoon for several hours Police cordoned off the lagoon for several hours (Image: Newsquest)“Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, the person was declared dead at the scene.

“Although it is still early stages in our investigation, we do not believe there to be any suspicious circumstances and no risk to the public.

“The person’s next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this sad time.

“We would ask for people not to speculate on the circumstances of the incident and please avoid the area to allow for enquiries to be carried out.”

By 9am on Sunday morning, the cordon had been removed and no trace of the emergency service response remained at the scene.

The area was sunny, peaceful, and still, with one fisherman setting up his equipment by the waterside.

Swindon Advertiser: The lagoon was cordoned off for hours on Saturday, April 20The lagoon was cordoned off for hours on Saturday, April 20 (Image: Newsquest)He was unaware of the significant police presence that had been there just a few hours earlier and was surprised and saddened to learn of the reason for it.

The news has prompted an outpouring of sympathy from people all over Swindon.

One woman said: "I figured it was not good when I drove by so many emergency vehicles. Thoughts with the next of kin at this sad time."

Another added: "Shame. Thoughts are with the family."

One man wrote: "Our condolences and prayers are with the family."

Another said:  "This is so sad."

The identity of the person found has not yet been confirmed.