Residents speak of shock after body of woman found in South Shields pond

Police were called to Temple Memorial Park, off John Reid Road, at 8am today after reports that a body had been discovered in the pond.

Body of woman found in South Shields park The area was immediately cordoned off and police remain at the scene.

The body has not yet been identified as officers continue their investigation to determine exactly what happened.

People living in the area told the Gazette of their surprise at the news.

“I often come walking around here as it’s a nice space,” said a 45-year-old woman, who did not want to be named.

“I wouldn’t come here on a night time as there are a lot of the younger ones who ride around on bikes and it isn’t safe.

“Earlier on I saw police officers knocking on some doors close to where I live so maybe that was something to do with this.

“You just wonder how this woman has ended up in the pond.

“It was really cold last night too.”

A man in his 50s who was cycling in the area as police officers stood guard over the scene said: “There was an athletics event in the park yesterday so it was quite busy.

“I saw a police officer out with what looked like one of the search dogs last night.

“Maybe this woman was missing before they found her body in the pond.”

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: “Emergency services attended and the body of a woman was recovered.

“Inquiries are underway to identify the woman.”