A rusty bicycle in an overgrown part of a garden led to the discovery of a dead body in a shed in New Malden.

The bicycle, found at the end of a garden opposite Holy Cross School in Sandal Road on Wednesday afternoon, alerted police who made the grim find.

Police believe the man is Danny Tollworthy, missing since October 16, but the body has not yet been formally identified. His death is being treated as unexplained.

The woman in whose garden the body was found, who asked not to be named, said: “It has been horrendous. I had to stay at my daughter’s this weekend as I couldn’t be at the house on my own.

“I finished work on Wednesday and went to the gym, coming in at 7.15pm and there was a private ambulance across my drive.

“I thought it was for an elderly neighbour next door. They were bringing a body out. I said to the undertaker 'is it my neighbour' but no.

“Police haven’t been very supportive. She [the police officer] gave a brief outline and went. I haven’t heard anything from them. It is quite traumatic.

“From what she said a bike was found leaning against my property.

“The bike was there for some time and getting rusty. I can’t see the end of my garden.

"I would never go round that way. I have left two foot of brambles because I had people climbing over from behind me.

“He was in my old shed as far as I understand. I feel so sorry someone should come to an end in that way.

“I have been sick all that time resting and looking out my garden and never knew what was there.

“I don’t know what he died of but there was evidence of drug use and more than one person using the shed to shelter in.

“I have not been down there for eight years.

“At least he was missed by somebody.”
 

Another neighbour said: "I have lived here 20 odd years so something like this is quite disturbing.”

Another resident, who moved to the road about 18 months ago, said: “It's strange because this is such a nice area. You don't expect things like this to happen.”

Danny, 42, who was also known as Darren Deacon was last seen in Hinchley Wood, cycling near the sports ground on Manor Road South, on October 15.

Police put out an appeal to find him on October 23, with a renewed call a week later.

They said he had medical issue, ink dots on his wrist, a missing front tooth and a small scar on his right nostril, and was known to visit areas in Hersham, Esher, Claygate and Hinchley Wood.

Did you know Danny? Call the newsdesk on 020 8744 4244.