A leisure centre in Hornchurch where a man died “unexpectedly” said he was using the pool when he fell ill "due to natural causes".

Emergency services were called at around 9.03am on Thursday (April 25) to Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre in Hornchurch Road to reports of a man being unwell.

London Ambulance Service attended alongside the police but despite the best efforts of the medics and centre staff, the man was pronounced dead.

Read More: Man dies at Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre, Hornchurch

A spokesperson for the centre, managed by Everyone Active, said the man fell ill "due to natural causes" while using the pool that day.

“Colleagues responded immediately, administering first aid until the emergency services arrived. Sadly, the customer died at the scene.

“Everyone Active would like to offer their sincere condolences to his family at this difficult time”, they added.

The pool and café at the leisure centre were shut following the incident but were re-opened the same day at 3pm.

Metropolitan Police had said the man’s next of kin have been informed. His death is being treated as unexpected but not suspicious by the police.