Dead body found at Charlton Athletic's The Valley as police launch investigation

A dead body was discovered at Charlton Athletic’s home ground, The Valley, with police launching an investigation after being called to the stadium on Tuesday morning following an incident believed to have occurred in the early hours of Monday. A male was pronounced dead at the scene.

The club confirmed the news in a statement on Tuesday night, saying they are cooperating fully with authorities. Charlton stressed there is no suggestion of any wrongdoing on the part of the club.

“Charlton Athletic are supporting the police with their enquiries following the discovery of a deceased individual at The Valley on Tuesday morning,” the statement read. “Police were called to the stadium today after an incident that occurred in the early hours of Monday morning. A male was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.”

“The death remains under investigation. Anyone with information, or who may have witnessed the incident, is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference 2809/18AUG.”

The club extended its condolences to those affected. “Everyone at Charlton Athletic would like to express their deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the individual’s family, friends and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time,” the statement continued. “The club are continuing to assist the authorities with their enquiries and respectfully ask that the privacy of those affected is respected.”

Charlton also acknowledged the response of their own personnel: “Charlton Athletic would also like to thank its staff for the professionalism they have shown while dealing with a particularly difficult and distressing situation.”

The incident comes days after the club opened their EFL Championship season at The Valley on Saturday, coming from behind to beat Derby County 2-1 through goals from Lloyd Jones and Tyreece Campbell.