The body of a homeless man found near Winchester railway station has been identified.

Ben Blyth was found trackside about a quarter of a mile north of the station.

The 33-year-old, formerly living at Winchester Churches Nightshelter, was discovered at around 1.20am last Wednesday.

The body was spotted by a train driver, who managed to stop without hitting it.

Michele Price, manager of Winchester Churches Nightshelter, said: “Ben Blyth was one of the rough sleepers in Winchester and well known to local agencies who were trying to help him find a way out of rough sleeping and homelessness.

“All those who knew him have been devastated by his death.”

She said the tent Mr Blyth had been living in for the past few months was burnt down by vandals recently.

The former Peter Symonds pupil’s funeral will be held at Winchester Cathedral on Tuesday, August 24, at 2.15pm, followed by a reception at The Trinity Centre, Bradbury House.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting incident number 12 of August 11, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.