A man's body has been found impaled on railings near where the Prime Minister's children go to school.

The grim discovery was made shortly before 7am today in Kensington Church Walk, in one of the most affluent areas of central London.

Police and fire crews were called to the scene where the man, who was 38, had died, and worked together to move his body by around midday.

Scotland Yard said there was nothing to suggest that his death was suspicious.

The body was found in an alleyway that passes by St Mary Abbots gardens, church and primary school.

Police refused to comment on whether one line of investigation was that the victim could have been a homeless man who died after trying to climb over the railings.

They believe they know who the man is, but are waiting for formal identification and confirmation that his family has been told.

The force said in a statement: "The body of the 38-year-old man was impaled on railings. The man was pronounced dead, and the body was removed from the scene at around midday.

"Officers believe they know the identity of the deceased but await formal identification and confirmation that next of kin have been informed. A post-mortem examination will be arranged in due course.

"The death is being treated as unexplained. However, there is nothing at this early stage to indicate that the death is suspicious."