Investigation after police find man's body in ditch

An investigation has been launched after the body of a man was found in a ditch with a number of unexplained injuries, police said.

The body, believed to be that of 62-year-old Andy Reed, was discovered in a ditch by the side of Old Gloucester Road in Staverton at around 13:20 BST on 3 May, said Gloucestershire Police.

A post-mortem revealed a number of unexplained injuries, the force added.

Det Ins Paula Hannaford, from Gloucestershire Constabulary's criminal investigation department, said: "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 April 25 and 1.20pm on Sunday May 3."

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

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

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

Reed was from Cheltenham and was reported missing on 28 April. Police said he was around 6ft (182cm) tall and of 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, according to police.

Hannaford added: "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."

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