A DEAD body has been found near a secondary school.

Parents of students who attend Woodlands School were sent a text this morning advising them that one of the entrances to the school was closed due to a police incident.

Witnesses reported multiple police cars and a cordon in place.

Essex Police have now confirmed a man was found dead near the school.

A spokesman said: "We were called to concerns for the welfare of a man at an address in Takely End, Basildon at around 4.35am on Wednesday, January 23.

"We attended and, sadly, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner."