A MAN believed to be a drug addict died after being found unconscious in a park.

Police were called to Gloucester Park, Basildon, in response to reports a man had been seen lying unwell on the ground.

Paramedics were also called to the spot, on edge of the park, alongside Ghyllgrove, near its junction with Waldringfield.

The man was taken to Basildon Hospital, where he died just over an hour later.

Police say they are not treating the death as suspicious. It is believed the man may have overdosed on drugs. Officers were still at the scene on Friday morning and had cordoned off the area where the man was found with tape.

One witness, a 49-year-old man who lives in The Gore, said: “I was on my way to work when I saw all the police tape.

“I knew whatever had happened, it would be serious.

“Everyone is saying the man died from drugs. It’s quite sad to think this guy was just lying there, but then if it is a drug overdose, this is the sort of sad thing which goes with that lifestyle.”

A post-mortem examination, will be held to determine what killed the man, who was said to be 29 and from Orsett.

A police spokesman said: “We were called at just after 6pm on Thursday to reports of a man lying unconscious.

“He was taken to Basildon Hospital where he was confirmed dead at 7.16pm.”

A spokesman for the ambulance service added: “A Basildon rapid response vehicle and ambulance crew were both at the scene within about ten minutes.

“The man was in cardiac arrest and was taken to Basildon Hospital.”

The man’s name had not been released when the Echo went to press.