WILTSHIRE Police launched a murder investigation yesterday after the body of a man was found on a Swindon cycle path.

A spokesman said officers were called shortly before midnight on Thursday to the path which runs from the centre of town to the Rodbourne area.

The victim, who has not been positively identified, is understood to have been a local man in his 60s and inquiries are ongoing to locate his next of kin.

Police are treating the man’s death as murder and the cycle path — close to the Hawkesworth trading estate — has been cordoned off to let forensics officers work.

Major crime investigation team Detective Chief Inspector Sean Memory said: “We commenced a murder investigation and are appealing for anyone who was in the area between 10.30pm to 12.30am last night to contact us as they may have vital information to assist the investigation.”