Emergency services rush to Exploration Drive store after shopper discovered unresponsive in vehicle – as police confirm death is not suspicious
A man in his 70s was found dead in his car at a Leicester Asda superstore yesterday morning, sparking a major police response that saw forensics officers erect a white tent in the car park.
Emergency services descended on the Asda store on Exploration Drive in the Belgrave area of Leicester shortly after 7.10am on Saturday after the man was discovered unresponsive in his vehicle.
Despite the efforts of paramedics who rushed to the scene alongside police officers, the pensioner was tragically pronounced dead at the location.
The dramatic scenes unfolded as early morning shoppers arrived at the busy superstore, with multiple police vehicles creating a significant presence outside the retail giant.
Forensics Tent Erected as Investigation Begins
Witnesses described seeing a white forensics tent being erected in the car park as specialist officers began their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
The tent, typically used to preserve evidence and provide privacy during police investigations, remained in place for several hours as forensics teams carried out their work.
Shoppers arriving at the store, which opens at 7am on Saturdays, were met with the sobering sight of the police operation in full swing.
It was quite shocking to see all the police vehicles and the forensics tent,” one shopper told how the scene unfolded. “You don’t expect to see something like that when you’re just popping out for your weekly shop.”
Police: No Suspicious Circumstances
Leicestershire Police moved quickly to reassure the public that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.
A spokesperson for the force said: “Shortly after 7.10am on Saturday police were called after a man was found unresponsive in his car in Exploration Drive, Leicester.
“Officers attended, along with the ambulance service, and the man, who is in his 70s, was declared deceased at the scene.
There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and a file will be prepared for HM Coroner.
Busy Superstore Location
The Asda Leicester Abbey Lane Superstore, located at 1 Exploration Drive, is one of the busier branches in the Leicester area, serving customers from Belgrave, Beaumont Leys, Rushey Mead, and surrounding districts.
The store, which features a large car park to accommodate hundreds of shoppers, typically opens at 7am on Saturdays and remains open until 11pm.
Its convenient location, just over a mile north of Leicester city centre and near the junction with Abbey Lane, makes it a popular shopping destination for residents across the area.
Coroner to Investigate
While police have confirmed they do not suspect any foul play, the death will now be subject to a coroner’s investigation to formally establish the cause.
The coroner’s inquiry is standard procedure for any sudden death where the cause is not immediately apparent, particularly when someone dies outside of a medical setting.
A file will be prepared detailing the circumstances of the discovery and any relevant medical history that may explain the tragic outcome.
Community Impact
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, with many expressing their condolences for the man’s family.
For regular shoppers at the Exploration Drive store, the sight of emergency services and forensics officers served as a stark reminder of life’s fragility.
“It’s terribly sad,” one local resident commented. “You think about his family and what they must be going through. To lose someone like that, it’s just heartbreaking.”
The Asda store remained open throughout the police investigation, with officers working to minimize disruption to shoppers while conducting their inquiries.
Rising Concerns
The tragedy comes amid growing concerns about people dying alone in vehicles, particularly elderly individuals who may experience sudden medical emergencies while driving or after parking.
Health experts have previously warned about the risks facing older drivers, including the potential for heart attacks, strokes, or other medical events that can strike without warning.
The incident also highlights the importance of regular health check-ups for elderly drivers and awareness of warning signs that might indicate a medical emergency.
As the investigation continues and the coroner prepares their report, the thoughts of the community remain with the family of the man who lost his life in such tragic circumstances at what should have been a routine shopping trip.
Leicester Police have not released the identity of the deceased, pending formal identification and notification of next of kin.
Image credit: Asda Supercentre, Fosse Park, Leicester by Stephen Sweeney, taken 2 July 2016, licensed under CC BY‑SA 2.0
