Police appeal for witnesses after man's body found in ditch

Police are investigating after a man's body was found in a ditch in a Gloucestershire village with several unexplained injuries.

The man, believed to be that of Andy Reed, 62, was discovered in a ditch by the side of Old Gloucester Road in Staverton at about 1.20pm on 3 May, Gloucestershire Constabulary said.

A post-mortem examination revealed several unexplained injuries.

Officers are treating the death as unexplained and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Mr Reed was reported missing from the Cheltenham area on 28 April.

Police are also looking to locate a blue woman's Dutch-style bike, which Mr Reed may have been riding when he was last seen on 25 April.

Detective Inspector Paula Hannaford, who is leading the investigation, said: "Our thoughts remain with Andy's family at this very difficult time and we are doing all we can to establish the full circumstances around Andy's death."

DI Hannaford added: "I would like to hear from anyone who may have seen Andy walking or cycling along Old Gloucester Road in Staverton between 10pm on Saturday 25 April and 1.20pm on 3 May.

"Andy may have been riding a blue women's Dutch-style bike when he was last seen on Saturday 25 April, however the bike has not yet been located.

"I am particularly keen for anyone reading this appeal who was driving along Old Gloucester Road between Saturday 25 April and Sunday, 3 May, who has access to dashcam footage to kindly review their footage for Andy and the outstanding bike."

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Police are asking anyone in Staverton and the surrounding area to check doorbell and CCTV footage from the week leading up to the body being discovered.

Mr Reed was around 6ft tall and of a slim build, with facial stubble and thinning dark brown hair.

He was last seen wearing a blue body warmer over a khaki green jumper, brown cords and a black rucksack, police said.

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