Wiltshire Police have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of a man’s body in woodland near Ludgershall. Authorities initially treated the death as unexplained. However, subsequent post-mortem examination findings prompted detectives from the Major Crime Investigation Team to upgrade the case.
Emergency services originally responded to the area on September 24, 2026, following a concern for welfare call logged at 3:41 pm. Officers arrived at the scene and located the body of a man in his 60s approximately two hours later, close to the polo field near Perham Down.
Investigation Underway in Ludgershall
A heavy police presence and a localized cordon remain active in the woodland surrounding Perham Down. Forensic teams and investigators are currently scouring the area for evidence. Officials have not yet released the identity of the deceased man pending formal identification and family notification.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker, the senior investigating officer heading the inquiry, emphasized that the team is working rapidly to piece together the timeline of events leading up to the tragedy.
"Our investigation is in its early stages, and we are working at pace to establish the circumstances of this man's death," said DCI Phil Walker. "Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. Our priority is to establish exactly what has happened and, to that end, I am urging any members of the public who might have information to come forward."
Police Appeal for Public Witnesses
Investigators are prioritizing public assistance to narrow down the movements of individuals in the rural location on the day the man was found. Detectives are appealing to anyone who was visiting or passing through the polo field and surrounding woodland on Thursday, September 24.
The crucial window of time requested by police spans from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Authorities want to hear from anyone who observed unusual behavior, unfamiliar vehicles parked nearby, or anything else that felt out of the ordinary.
How to Contact Wiltshire Police
Members of the public who possess relevant information, dashcam footage, or local CCTV recordings from the Perham Down and Ludgershall area are urged to assist law enforcement immediately.
- Call Wiltshire Police directly on 101 to speak with the operations room.
- Submit details anonymously or via the dedicated major incident public reporting portal online.
- Quote the active Wiltshire Police murder investigation reference when calling.
The investigation remains ongoing, and further updates will be released by Wiltshire Police as forensic and background inquiries progress.
