Police confirm no third-party involvement in Sunderland cemetery death

Officers were called to Bishopwearmouth Cemetery shortly after 6.30am this morning after receiving a call from the ambulance service about concern for a man who had been found in the grounds of the cemetery, in Chester Road.

Paramedics treated the man but were unable to save him and he died from his injuries

Officers were at the cemetery throughout today and an investigation began into the death.

Following a post mortem examination, police said they were satisfied there was no third party involvement in the death and confirmed that a report would be prepared for the coroner.

The identity of the man has not yet been released.

Entrances to the park were sealed off throughout today, though the crematorium remained open.

A white forensics tent was clearly visible from the Hylton Road entrance, with police vans and an ambulance at the scene.

Local residents spoke of their shock as news of the man’s death was confirmed.

Mum and daughter Mary and Susan Gambles live in Fordham Road, close to the Hylton Road entrance.

Mary, 85, said they had first become aware of the tragedy when they saw police outside the cemetery.

She said: “I looked out of the window and saw the policeman at the gate. I said ‘What is happening there?’”.

Susan, 52, added: “There were about four police vehicles and a white van.”

A section of the cemetery has been cordoned off to allow for a full investigation of the location to take place .

Extra officers were in the area speaking to residents, and anyone who was in the area of Bishopwearmouth cemetery late on Wednesday night or the early hours of Thursday and who might have seen or heard anything suspicious is asked to call police on 101 quoting reference number 113 09/02/17.