A teacher at a prestigious London private school has been found dead at the scene of the nativity play he organised.
The member of staff at Pembridge Hall in London’s Notting Hill was discovered lifeless on Tuesday morning after the event the evening before.
Church officials came across his body on the stage at St Matthew's Church, Bayswater, where the show was held.
Will Coleridge, Church of England vicar of St Matthew’s, Bayswater in west London told The Sun: “We sadly had an unfortunate incident here on Monday night. It was inside the church. I can’t say too much but it is dreadful.
"I half knew the deceased. Of course the nativity here is all cancelled now - they will do it elsewhere, which is understandable.”
Pembridge Hall School, a two-minute walk from St Matthew’s, is for girls aged four to 11. Fees are £8,735 a term.
It is the sister school to Wetherby, which was attended by Princes William and Harry, and actor Hugh Grant.
The school advertises its strong links with the local community, with Friday assemblies and seasonal productions regularly being staged at St Matthew's.
Sophie Banks, Headmistress, Pembridge Hall School, said in a statement: “We are all deeply saddened at the recent passing of a member of our school’s community.
"On behalf of the school, we would like to extend our sincerest condolences to their family and friends. As we collectively navigate through this challenging period, we will focus on supporting our girls and colleagues.”
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called on 5 December at 8:52am to reports of an incident at St Petersburgh Place, W2.
“We sent a number of resources to the scene, including a medic in a fast-response car and an ambulance crew. Sadly, a man was found dead at the scene.”
A police statement said: "Police were called at 08:55hrs on 5 December to a church in St Petersburgh Place W2 after a 52-year-old man was found deceased. Next of kin have been informed.
"The death is being treated as unexpected but early inquiries do not indicate it is suspicious. A file will be prepared for the Coroner."
