POLICE are investigating after the body of a pensioner was found in the grounds of Basingstoke hospital this morning.
The death of the man, who was a patient at the hospital, is not being treated as suspicious.
The 76-year-old was reported missing by someone at the hospital just before 7.30am and the search began as a high-risk missing person investigation.
After a thorough search the man was found dead in the hospital grounds just after 9am.
Police officers are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death and a file is being prepared for the coroner.
The family of the patient has been informed.
The hospital has confirmed the death but has not said how he died or revealed the patient's identity.
The statement reads: “Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is cooperating with a police enquiry following the sad death of a patient at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital earlier this morning.
“We offer our heartfelt condolences to the patient’s family at this very sad time.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here