Police launch investigation after body is discovered in a busy Birmingham park

Police have launched an investigation after the body of a man was discovered near to a cathedral in a busy city centre park this morning (Wed). Emergency services rushed to Cathedral Square, on Colmore Row, in Birmingham, after the victim was discovered unconscious at around 8am. Paramedics attempted to resuscitate the man, but nothing could be done to save him and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers cordoned off the popular park, affectionally known by Brummies as Pigeon Park, which sees thousands of commuters pass through it each day. The nearby Grade I-listed St. Philip's Cathedral, which was built in 1715, was forced to cancel all services and other events scheduled for today while police investigate. A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: "We were called to St Philip’s Cathedral, Cathedral Square, Colmore Row, shortly after 7.50am following reports a man had been found unconscious. "Despite the best efforts from our ourselves and ambulance colleagues who attempted to resuscitate the man, he sadly died. "An investigation is underway to determine what happened." A spokeswoman for West Midlands Ambulance Service added: "We were called by the police to a medical emergency on Colmore Row at 7.58am. "Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and MERIT trauma doctors attended the scene to provide treatment to a man in a critical condition." In a Facebook statement, St. Philip's Cathedral said: "Cathedral Square is currently closed due to an ongoing police incident. "This means we are closed today and have cancelled all services and events. "This includes our Divine Beauty guided tour, Holy Communion in traditional language and Choral evensong. "We apologise for any inconvenience caused."