Charlton Athletic speak out after dead body found at stadium
The body of a man has tragically been found at a football stadium in south-east London with police launching a major investigation.
The horror discovery had been made at the Charlton Athletic's stadium, on Floyd Road, The Valley.
A statement by the club issued on Tuesday night (18 August) confirmed a deceased individual had been found earlier in the day, with emergency crews called to the scene.
Police confirmed the body of a man, aged 33, was found after officers had been called to a concern for welfare incident shortly after 11am.
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Posting the statement online, the London club said: “Charlton Athletic are supporting the police with their enquiries following the discovery of a deceased individual at The Valley on Tuesday morning.
“Police were called to the stadium today after an incident that occurred in the early hours of Monday morning. A male was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
“The death remains under investigation. Anyone with information, or who may have witnessed the incident, is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference 2809/18AUG."
The club confirmed that their upcoming under-21 fixture against Bolton, which had been due to take place at The Valley on Tuesday was moved to their training ground at Sparrows Lane.
The statement continued: “Everyone at Charlton Athletic would like to express their deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the individual's family, friends and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
“The club are continuing to assist the authorities with their enquiries and respectfully ask that the privacy of those affected is respected.
“There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing on the part of the club. Charlton Athletic would also like to thank its staff for the professionalism they have shown while dealing with a particularly difficult and distressing situation.”
Police issue statement after man found dead
Following the discovery, police have now launched an investigation. The death is currently being treated as 'unexpected'.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “At around 11:15hrs on Tuesday, 18 August, officers attended The Valley stadium on Floyd Road, Charlton following concerns for the welfare of a person.
“Officers attended alongside the London Ambulance Service and located a 33-year-old man, who was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and continue to be supported.
“Officers are investigating the possibility that the man had fallen from height prior to his death. The death is being treated as unexpected, and an investigation is ongoing.”
The tragedy comes just days after Charlton played at home on Saturday and won the season opener against Derby. The club will next appear against West Ham on Saturday.
James Holt