Claygate residents are no closer to knowing the circumstances behind a man’s death in a wooded area off the A3.

A horse rider called police at 4.30pm on Tuesday, April 10, to a bridleway parallel to Glebelands in Claygate when they found a man’s body in woodland.

Police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the death and “keeping an open mind”.

Glebelands resident Barbara Tuvey said: “The police helicopter was up for about two hours, which made me think they were searching for something.

“I kept wondering what was happening, but we still don’t know anything.

“It’s worrying not knowing, and I know the little girl next door couldn’t sleep last night.”

She said the police, including forensic officers, were at the scene in to the night.

The bridle path off Coverts Road leads over the A3 toward Great Oaks, Crown Estate woods, and is a popular route for horse riders and dog walkers.

The man has yet to be formally identified, but police believe he is in his late 30s or early 40s.

A postmortem examination is expected within the next couple of days.