A middle-aged man was found dead in the watercourse early this morning, reports James Cracknell

The crime scene at the New River following the discovery of a dead body (credit James Cracknell)

Police are investigating after a dead body was discovered in the New River in Enfield early this morning (Sunday 15th).

A crime scene has been in place on a stretch of the artificial waterway between Carterhatch Lane and Goat Lane since around 7am following the discovery, and remained in place as of 4pm.

At least two items of clothing that look like they were retrieved from the water can be seen on the footpath next to the New River, near the Carterhatch Lane end, but there is no sign of any blood.

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police Service described the death as “unexpected”.

The Dispatch has spoken to residents of Mahon Close, which overlooks the New River, who themselves spoke to officers this morning. They confirmed the deceased is a middle-aged man who lives locally. Beatrice Muzezu told the Dispatch that he was “a good man” who always said “hello” when she saw him.

Beatrice, who found out the news only after she returned from holiday today, said it was “shocking” to hear.

A Met spokesperson said: “We were called at 7:06am on Sunday, 15th March to reports of a body found in the New River, near to Carterhatch Lane in Enfield.

“Emergency services responded and the body of a man in his 50s was recovered from the river. He was sadly pronounced dead.

“The death is being treated as unexpected and enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances.”

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