Those living near to Sparrow’s Nest Gardens are used to the park being full of families, dog walkers and people going for a walk or run.
The park has been sealed off by officers (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)
But on Saturday (March 21) the Whapload Road amenity was empty apart from the presence of police officers.
Every entrance to Sparrow Nest Gardens was cordoned off by police (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)
All six entrances to the park – named after Robert Sparrow, founder of the Lifeboat Society in Lowestoft – had been cordoned off after a murder enquiry was launched.
Every entrance to Sparrow Nest Gardens was cordoned off by police (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)
Police had been called to the park at 10.13pm on Friday (March 20).
A man, aged in his 50s, was found unresponsive by police.
Every entrance to Sparrow Nest Gardens was cordoned off by police (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)
Despite the efforts of emergency services, the man was later declared dead.
A 28-year-old woman was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and taken to Great Yarmouth Police Investigation Centre for questioning, where she remains.
Malcolm Raven, 68, a retired chicken factory worker, who lives near to the park, said: “I think it’s a bit close to home – you don’t want that.”
Malcolm Raven (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)
He said a lot of people use the park and it was normally “buzzing”.
Although he did not see or hear anything, Mr Raven said his wife heard a commotion.
“She heard someone shouting.” he said.
“She was in bed at 9pm.
“I think she was on her way to going to sleep.
“She said she heard someone shout out”.
Police at the scene (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)
Nigel Nicholls, 67, who also lives near the park, which is close to Ness Point – the most easterly point of the UK – said for a man to have been killed so close to his home was “quite a surprise”.
The park is close to Ness Point (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)
He said he also felt sorry for the businesses that operated in the park who could not open while the area was cordoned off.
One man, who did not want to be identified, was visibly shocked to find out what happened and said: “I can’t remember the last time there was a murder in Lowestoft”.
Police at the scene (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)
Police have said it is being treated as an isolated incident and the parties involved are understood to have been known to each other.
A Home Office post-mortem examination will take place in due course.
Officers are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information.
Every entrance to Sparrow Nest Gardens was cordoned off by police (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)
This includes anyone driving in the area around the time that may have a dash camera.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Suffolk police on 101 quoting crime reference 37/16062/26.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Please note in the event of an emergency you should always call 999.