From Devon & Cornwall Police:

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man in Barnstaple and are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

Officers were called to reports that the body of a man had been found in Howard Avenue, Barnstaple, at around 7.20am, on Thursday 8 December.

A local man in his late teens was declared deceased at the scene.

Formal identification has yet to take place but next of kin have been informed.

Police are currently treating his death as unexplained.

Officers would particularly like to hear from anyone who saw anything of note in the area of the walkway between the B&M store in Coney Avenue and the river, between 10pm on Wednesday 7 December and 7am on Thursday 8 December.

A police presence and cordon are expected to remain at the scene for the foreseeable future.

Anyone with any information that could help with enquiries, is asked to contact police via our website here or by calling 101 quoting log 111 of 08/12/22.