THE death of a man found in woodland in Peterlee is not being treated as suspicious, police have confirmed.

Durham Police were called at around 9.30am on Tuesday to woodland near Pentland Close, in Peterlee, following reports that a man’s body had been found.

The woodland area was cordoned off by officers, who carried out an forensic examination of the area.

A spokesman for Durham Police said: “Formal identification is due to be completed today on the body of a man, believed to be 31-years-old from Houghton-le-Spring, who was found in woodland near to Pentland Close, in Peterlee, at about 9.30am yesterday morning.

“Following a post-mortem examination, police are satisfied the cause of his death is not suspicious.

“Investigations, including assessing toxicology results, are ongoing on behalf of the coroner.”