Norwich: Body found at St Mark's Church in Hall Rd, Lakenham

Officers were called to the grounds of St Mark's church, in Lakenham, on Wednesday, March 21, following reports of a sudden death there where a man in his 40s was found unresponsive.

It comes after a man in his 50s was stabbed in the churchyard, in Hall Road, in October 2022. 

St Marks Church in Hall Road (Image: Newsquest)

And while there is no suggestion of a connection between the two incidents, those living nearby are wary of the continued issues plaguing the grounds.

Gary Mills, 61, lives down the road from St Mark's Church, in Mansfield Lane, and said: "I walk by the church every day and it seems to have got worse during the last year or so.

READ MORE: Hoarder found 'dirty and dehydrated' faced 20-hour ambulance wait before death

"It's sad but I'm not surprised what's happened based on the recent activity in the area, but it worries me that things are going to get worse."

Tina Pinnell, lives in Cyprus Street and works for an organisation providing support for people with drug or alcohol addiction (Image: Newsquest)

Tina Pinnell works for Change Grow Live, which offers drug and alcohol support, and lives in Cyprus Street who added that she has "an idea of what goes on there".

"Not that I know what happened to the man, but it's just tragic," she said.

READ MORE: Search for relatives of Norwich man who died aged 64

"I walked past the area a couple of times and to think there was a dead body there is extremely sad."

The body of a man in his 40s was found on March 21 by police at the churchyard (Image: Supplied)

The man's next of kin have been informed and the death is currently being treated as unexplained. It is not believed to be suspicious.

George William lives behind the church and said: "It's been on my mind that more seems to be going on around that area and it's becoming an issue.

"It's strange to hear something so terrible happen basically on your doorstep.

"I can't say I'll be walking down by myself at night anytime soon."