The community of Notting Hill, West London, is reeling from the shocking discovery of a school teacher’s body at St Matthew’s Church in Bayswater, the planned venue for a nativity play by Pembridge Hall School. The incident, which has deeply affected staff, pupils, and parents at the £8,735-a-term school, occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Reverend Will Coleridge, the Church of England vicar of St Matthew’s, made the grim discovery. “It was in the middle of the night, and I found the body on Tuesday morning,” he stated. The nativity play, originally scheduled to take place at the church, has since been moved to an alternative venue out of respect for the tragedy.
Pembridge Hall School, an all-girls school and sister institution to Wetherby, attended by Princes William and Harry as well as Hugh Grant, is now grappling with the aftermath of this unexpected loss.
The Metropolitan Police were called to the scene at around just before 9am on 5 December, following the report of a deceased 52-year-old man. The London Ambulance Service was also in attendance but the man was found dead upon their arrival.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed the details of the incident: “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.”
The impact of this tragedy has rippled through the community, with many expressing their condolences and shock. Reverend Coleridge remarked on the sombre mood, emphasizing the importance of moving the nativity play to ensure the well-being of the children and the community at large. “It was grim, obviously, really grim. These things are horrible,” he said.
The school and church authorities are cooperating with the police and providing support to those affected by the incident. Counselling services and assistance are being offered to students, staff, and families to help them cope with this tragic event.
