'Too close to home': Neighbours' shock as body found at Mousehold Heath

Police were called to the area, just behind Britannia Road car park, at 10.15am on Wednesday, July 21 after a member of the public found the body.

Officers are trying to establish the identity of the man and the circumstances around his death — which is currently unexplained.

A body has been discovered at Mousehold Heath in Norwich, with police cordons still in place two days later (Image: Archant)

The cordon remains in place, with officers stationed at multiple taped-off spots to keep dog-walkers away from the scene.

One resident who lives nearby said the police presence had been constant for the past 48 hours.

"On Wednesday there were forensic vans, and more police cars yesterday and today", she said.

A police car sits in Britannia Road car park opposite HMP Norwich after a body was discovered there on Wednesday (Image: Archant)

"It's unsettling to see forensic vans on your street without explanation."

Steve Robinson, who lives just along from where the body was found, said residents were worried.

He said: "The sexual assault down on Barrack Street felt too near to home, and now a body has been discovered on St James Hill?"

"People were already avoiding that part of Britannia Road in the evening due to antisocial behaviour, and now it feels even more of a hostile space.

"It's a pity because it's a beautiful place, but it feels completely lawless after hours."

A row of police cars were spotted at the heath on Thursday by concerned residents (Image: Submitted)

Police crime maps show that in April and May of this year, 21 crimes were reported near Britannia Road, mainly relating to violence and sexual offences, antisocial behaviour, theft and public order.

Reflecting on the police presence this week, one woman said: "I go for runs around the heath and things like this just put me off. It makes me feel uncomfortable."

A man who works near where the body was found said the street became like "Norwich's Tokyo Drift" on an evening - a reference to the Fast and the Furious films, which feature illegal street car racing.

"I've never seen anyone get violent", he said, "but I know the residents find it frustrating."

The cordon had been lifted by around 3pm on Friday afternoon, but police have said investigations were continuing.

As of Friday evening, work to establish the identity of the man and the circumstances around his death were ongoing.