A teacher has been found dead at a church in London where his pupils had performed their nativity just hours earlier.

The man's body was discovered at St Matthew's church in Bayswater at just before 9am on 5 December.

He is said to have organised the previous evening's Christmas production at the church.

The vicar, Rev Will Coleridge discovered the body on the stage the following morning.

The 52 year old who has not been named, was a teacher at Pembridge Hall School in Notting Hill, a prestigious private school for girls between the ages of four and eleven.

Rev Coleridge said: "We sadly had an unfortunate incident here on Monday night.

"It was inside the church. I can’t say too much but it is dreadful.

"I half knew the deceased. Of course the nativity here is all cancelled now – they will do it elsewhere, which is understandable."

Pembridge Hall's head teacher, Sophie Banks said:

"We are all deeply saddened at the recent passing of a member of our school’s community.

"On behalf of the school, we would like to extend our sincerest condolences to their family and friends. As we collectively navigate through this challenging period, we will focus on supporting our girls and colleagues."

Police said the man's death was unexpected, but is not currently being treated as suspicious. The teacher’s next-of-kin have been informed.