By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

A LIFELESS body of a man was found hanging in an abandoned building at East and Fritz Streets on Friday afternoon.

Despite reports, Chief Superintendent of Police Paul Rolle said it is too early to tell if the man had committed suicide.

"Shortly after 1pm police received reports of a male found hanging," Chief Supt Rolle said, adding: "When officers arrived they encountered an adult male hanging from a rafter inside a building on the corner. We're not certain how he came by his death but some passerby saw him and alerted authorities to him."

Chief Supt Rolle said the deceased seemed to be about 35 years of age.

As they investigate the matter, they are apealling to those who may have seen what took place to come forward and assist.

Part of East Street was blocked off for nearly two hours as police secured the scene and conducted their preliminary investigations. Numerous residents watched and speculated about what took place. None could identify the deceased.

The man who alerted the police to the incident, identified to the The Tribune as Jefferey, said he and others initially thought the body was a mannequin. It was only when they realised he was not moving as wind blew throughout the abandoned structure that they concluded it was a human body.

Some speculated whether the deceased had help, noting that the structure lacked stairs to take someone to the second floor where the body was found.

Jefferey said onlookers did not try to help the deceased. "He wasn't struggling. No one went closer and we didn't see his face because it was facing away from the open area," he said.