Residents speak of their shock after sudden death at Hayling Island children’s home

HAYLING Island residents say they are shocked after a sudden death saw a children’s home sealed off.
Emergency services in Church Road on Hayling Island 
Picture: Neil FatkinEmergency services in Church Road on Hayling Island 
Picture: Neil Fatkin
Emergency services in Church Road on Hayling Island Picture: Neil Fatkin

Police and firefighters were called to Poppy Lodge in Church Road just after 1pm today.

Officers confirmed that a person had died and that the circumstances were not suspicious, but there has not yet been any confirmation of what the substance is.

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Hayling Island death is 'not suspicious’ say police
Nearby resident Dennis King 
Picture: Neil FatkinNearby resident Dennis King 
Picture: Neil Fatkin
Nearby resident Dennis King Picture: Neil Fatkin

Residents are saddened by the news.

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Dennis King, 86, said: 'It was our granddaughter who first notified us there was a problem. I looked outside to see a traffic jam on the road and a fire engine parked right outside our house.

‘I looked down the street and could see all the flashing blue lights from the police cars and ambulances. I spoke to someone on the street who initially said they thought it was a fire. I am shocked to hear they are investigating a sudden death.'

Another local resident, said: 'I saw a fire engine parked up across the road and as a former fireman myself I went outside to see what was happening. There were at least four fire engines and several police cars. I know from my time in the service that with incidents involving children's homes you have to send a certain number of vehicles. I spoke to someone at the scene who told me it was a sudden death. This is very sad but a lot of the children they are dealing with have their difficulties.'

A woman who lives nearby added: 'There were at least four fire engines, possibly five, and two ambulances. I initially though there must have been a car crash. I am shocked to hear someone has died.'