The body of a man police found in a tree at a secondary school yesterday has been named as missing man Peter Daniel Usher.
Mr Usher, 39, from North Street, Romford, had been missing for three weeks. Police had made several appeals for help in locating him after his family grew concerned for his welfare.
His body was discovered at Bower Park Academy, Havering Road, Romford, at about 2pm, during school hours, and waited until children had left for the day before sealing off the area.
The school officer remained near the scene during this period.
Mary Morrison, headteacher of the school, said her thoughts were with Peter’s family and her priority had been making sure the children left as normal at home time.
“My heart and feelings go out to the family, it must be a very sad time,” she said.
“One of the site staff found the body and I asked police if they could wait until I got all the children out of school at 2.30pm.
“They walk past that tree everyday and no-one saw the body.
“I have sent a letter to parents today and one or two students asked me about it. I told them the truth, but they were here to learn and it didn’t affect the day.”
Mr Usher’s death is not being treated as suspicious at this stage.
His next of kin have been informed.
A post-mortem examination will be scheduled in due course.
The school is open as normal today.
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