THE body of a man has been found in a tent at Port Meadow in Oxford this afternoon.

Police are advising people to stay away from the popular beauty spot after the discovery by a member of the public at 12.25pm because of a strong odour of chemicals.

Thames Valley Police said the area is cordoned off as specially-trained Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) officers attend the scene to ensure its safety before further investigation can take place.

Thames Valley Police, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) are at the scene.

The cause of the man's death has not been revealed and he has not yet been identified.

Emergency services including police and ambulance staff have been gathering in Walton Well Road, Jericho.

Several police patrol cars are parked by the Walton Well Road rail bridge and members of the public are being told they are not allowed onto the meadow.

Other access points for the meadow, including Jubilee Gate, off Godstow Road, are also closed off and the Thames Valley Police helicopter has been flying over the site.

Thames Valley Police said tonight the death is being treated as unexplained but there are no suspicious circumstances at this time.

Supt Steve Hockin said: “Early indications are that the chemical involved in the death of the man is hydrogen sulphide, but emergency services are working together to examine the scene and recover the body as safely as possible."

Sushila Dhall, chairman of Oxford Pedestrians Association, added: "I tried to get onto the meadow but I was turned away and was told there had been a toxic spillage.

"There were people in full-body suits and police are stopping people from going onto the meadow."