VILLAGERS have been left in shock after a 48-year-old local man was found lying dead with head wounds near to where a shotgun was discovered.

The community of Prestwood has been shaken by the tragedy after a passer-by discovered the man's body in a car parked down a quiet country lane.

Police officers swarmed around the desolate Hangings Lane, Prestwood, on Friday after the grim discovery was made at 12.30pm.

Elderly resident Irene Rogers, who lives in Kiln Road, not far from the scene, said: "I think it's awful. We have had quite a few tragedies in the village and this is the first I have heard about what happened."

A mother-of-three, who does not want to be named, but lives in Honor End Lane, adjoining Hangings Lane, said: "It is horrendous to think anyone would do that. I think it must be awful if he has a family. You would have to be desperate to do something like that."

Police have not yet released the identity of the man. They are not treating the death as suspicious.