POLICE are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man at an Oxford church.

Officers said they were 'keeping an open mind' after the body of the unidentified man was found in the grounds of St Frideswide Church in Botley Road.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said today that the investigation was still in its early stages and would not confirm if they were looking for anyone in connection with the death.

Yesterday forensic detectives combed a grassed area outside the church after the body was first discovered on Tuesday night.

A police cordon around the churchyard is likely to remain in place until this evening.

Police are now preparing a report for the coroner so that an inquest can be opened.

The identity of the man, said to be aged in his 60s, will then be released to the public.

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Police cars are still stationed at the side of Botley Road this morning, while the blue screens erected yesterday had blown over in the high wind overnight.

St Fridewside Church has been the subject of reports about drug-taking in its grounds, and homeless people are known to seek shelter there. 

However, it is not yet known if either of these were a factor in the man's death.

The church has asked the community to pray for the unidentified man and will be opening its doors during daylight hours today and tomorrow, for anyone who wants a quiet space to reflect.

A spokesman for the Diocese of Oxford said: "We are co-operating with the police and we are keeping everyone affected by this tragedy in our prayers."

Also read: What do we know so far about the Botley Road body?

Yesterday police confirmed that the man died at the scene, describing the circumstances as 'unexplained', but did not give further details.