'She's only 11 - she was screaming she found a dead body' - Father of Year 7 pupil who found man's body during PE lesson at Black Country school shares harrowing story
An 11-year-old girl was left 'really shaken up' after she discovered the body of a man during a PE lesson at a school in Wolverhampton.
The pupil, who the Express and Star have chosen to keep anonymous, spotted the body when she made her way onto the playing fields at Smestow Academy in Castlecroft, Wolverhampton for a PE lesson around 10am on Monday, January 19.
It is understood that her year seven class were the first to have the subject this week, and that no pupils had been on the field prior to the start of the lesson.
Speaking at 12.30pm, the father of the 11-year-old pupil who found the body, said: “My daughter phoned her mom up, screaming, and told her that she found a dead body by the goal posts on the field.
“She’s only 11 years of age. They went out for PE and it was very foggy this morning.
"It's left her really shaken up and we've come to take her out of school early. It's terrible what she's had to see."
Facebook user Sam Westwood commented: "My nephew's class were the ones that found him. The school have offered counselling. Rest In Peace."
Smestow Academy closed at 1pm, but confirmed they intend to open on Tuesday, January 20 as normal.
Their statement read: "Police told us to close school today because of an incident unconnected with Smestow Academy.
"A body was found at the edge of the grounds and enquiries are now underway to confirm the man’s identity and the circumstances around his death.
"Police asked us to close so they could make headway with their investigation. The police have now given us the go ahead to open as usual tomorrow.
"There will be pupil assemblies throughout the morning to reassure them. If your child has been affected, they can speak with their Head of House who will be able to provide specialist support."
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: “We're currently at Smestow Academy after a discovery of the body in the grounds.
“Emergency services were called at around 10.40am today, and the man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
“Enquiries are now underway to confirm the man’s identity and the circumstances around his death.
“Anyone with information has been asked to get in touch via Live Chat or 101, quoting log 1452 of 19 January.”