FORENSIC and specialist search officers are likely to remain at a site in Ashton Common, near Trowbridge over the weekend following the discovery of a body yesterday (March 7).

The body of a man, thought to be aged 30 - 40 years old, was found by a member of the public shortly after 1.30pm.

The Wiltshire & Swindon coroner has been informed.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Forensic police officers behind the old Walden building where a body was found. Image: Trevor Porter 76858-6Forensic police officers behind the old Walden building where a body was found. Image: Trevor Porter 76858-6 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Detective Inspector Eirin Martin said: “We are working hard to establish the identity of this person and urgently contact his next-of-kin. 

“An investigation is also underway to establish the circumstances of his death and a post-mortem examination will be carried out in due course to provide more clarity about how he died.

“We are keeping an open mind and seeking to establish the facts of this sad incident.

“I would like to appeal to anyone who might have relevant information to contact us.

“Additionally I would like to hear from anyone with dash cam footage taken from the area over the last week or so to please get in touch.”

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Detectives with forensic police officers behind the old Walden building where a body was found. Image: Trevor Porter 76858-8Detectives with forensic police officers behind the old Walden building where a body was found. Image: Trevor Porter 76858-8 (Image: Trevor Porter)

The man’s body was found behind some farm buildings on Ashton Road at Ashton Common formerly used for the Walden egg processing works.

Around five police units were seen close to the buildings between Hilperton and Stoney Gutter, where the Ashton Common Sunday car boot sales are held.

Scenes of crime forensic officers, detectives and armed police officers were seen attending the incident.

Members of the forensics team were kitted out in protective light boiler suits, masks and hair nets.

Police did not disclose how long the body had lain there, or if it was a man who had been reported missing.

Today, a group of seven police officers were seen searching the field at the rear of the building where the man's body was discovered.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Several police units attended the scene at the buildings in Ashton Road, Trowbridge.Several police units attended the scene at the buildings in Ashton Road, Trowbridge. (Image: Trevor Porter 76858-2)

An eye-witness said: “There were four or five police cars at the scene. One had two armed police personnel, also a senior police officer and scenes of crime forensic officer. 

“Police have taped across the back side of a white building between Green Lane and Stoney Gutter crossroads.”

A notice on the entrance gate says the buildings are monitored by 24-hour closed-circuit television cameras but it is not known whether they are switched on.

If you can help, please call police on 101 quoting log 54240027170.