What should have been a quiet summer evening in Northampton quickly turned into a crime scene, as police launched a major murder investigation following the discovery of a man’s body on a riverside bench.
The victim, believed to be in his 50s, was found dead near the canal footpath by the River Nene, sending shockwaves through the local community.
A Grim Discovery on a Peaceful Path
Emergency services were first alerted just before 6:30pm on Friday, when East Midlands Ambulance Service responded to a report of a man found unresponsive on a bench behind Auctioneers Court.
When Northamptonshire Police arrived, it was already too late. The man was pronounced dead at the scene.
What initially seemed like a sudden death soon took a darker turn.
Authorities quickly determined the circumstances were suspicious—and a murder investigation was officially launched.
Lockdown Along the River Nene
In response to the ongoing investigation, the section of the River Nene between London Road bridge and Nunn Mills Road bridge has been shut off to the public.
Both pedestrian access and river traffic have been restricted and are expected to remain closed until at least Tuesday evening, as detectives comb the area for clues.
Police Comb the Area for Clues
Police teams wasted no time ramping up efforts.
Officers have been knocking on doors, conducting house-to-house enquiries in the surrounding area.
They’ve already spoken with multiple residents but believe more information could still be out there.
Detective Inspector Torie Harrison, leading the investigation from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, said their team is working “at pace” to uncover what led to the man’s death.
She emphasized that the victim’s family is being supported by specially trained officers and that the force is determined to bring answers.
A Call for Witnesses and CCTV Footage
Investigators are now appealing to the public for help.
In particular, they’re asking anyone who lives in the apartments overlooking the river—and anyone else who may have camera footage from the area around the time of the incident—to check their recordings.
“No detail is too small,” said DI Harrison.
“Even something that may seem insignificant could be the missing piece we need to understand what happened that evening.”
Community Support and Increased Patrols
As the investigation continues, Northamptonshire Police are maintaining a strong presence in the area.
Officers in high-visibility uniforms will be patrolling throughout the weekend, not only as part of the investigation but also to offer reassurance to local residents.
“If anyone in the community has concerns or needs to speak with someone, we encourage you to approach an officer,” said DI Harrison.