Police say South Shields pond death was not a crime

Police say there are no suspicious circumstances over the death of a woman who was found dead in a pond in South Tyneside.
Police officers at the pond, Temple Park, South Shields, where a woman's body was found.Police officers at the pond, Temple Park, South Shields, where a woman's body was found.
Police officers at the pond, Temple Park, South Shields, where a woman's body was found.

Officers were called at about 8am on Sunday after a body was discovered in a pond in Temple Memorial Park, off John Reid Road, South Shields.

Emergency services attended and the body of a woman was recovered while the area was cordoned off.

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Northumrbia Police say they now know the woman’s identity is known, but details have not been released to the public.

They also say there is not believed to be any third party involvement in the tragedy.

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: “Enquiries have been carried out and there is not believed to be any third party involvement in the death and a report will be prepared for the coroner.”

Nearby residents have spoken of their shock after body was discovered in the popular park.

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“I often come walking around here as it’s a nice space,” said a 45-year-old woman, who did not want to be named.

“I wouldn’t come here on a night time as there are a lot of the younger ones who ride around on bikes and it isn’t safe.

“Earlier on I saw police officers knocking on some doors close to where I live so maybe that was something to do with this.

“You just wonder how this woman has ended up in the pond.

“It was really cold last night too.”

A man in his 50s who was cycling in the area as police officers stood guard over the scene said: “There was an athletics event in the park yesterday so it was quite busy.

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“I saw a police officer out with what looked like one of the search dogs last night.

“Maybe this woman was missing before they found her body in the pond.”

Gazette readers have been paying tribute the woman on the newspaper’s website and Facebook page.

Amy Morris wrote: “Such a sad story to read! Thoughts are with her family.”

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Diane le Marinel sent: “I couldn’t stop thinking about the lady and her family. So sad. Life is cruel.”

Michelle Whale added: “ Real shame, God bless. Now Safe in God’s arms.”

Samantha Agar said: “Very, very sad .Thoughts go out to her family at this awful time.”

Phil Younghusband offered: “So, so sad what a bad thing to happen to someone.”

Clare Towns submitted: “Rest in Peace thoughts with loved ones.”

Adrienne Arthur added: “Such sad news and who knew that Temple Park had a pond?

“Lived near there all my life and never knew.”