The body of a man was discovered in a car park near Morrisons in County Durham.
Emergency services were called to Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland shortly after 5.30am on Saturday morning.
Officers from Durham Constabulary and the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) attended the scene and found a man, believed to be 38-years-old, who was unconscious on the floor.
Police attempted CPR on the man and two ambulances were sent to the incident, however, despite their best efforts the man was pronounced dead.
A NEAS spokesperson said: "We were called on Saturday morning at 5:37am to a man who was reported to be unconscious not breathing on Newgate Street in Bishop Auckland.
"CPR was in progress by police at the scene. We sent two ambulances to the incident but unfortunately, the man passed away despite attempts to resuscitate him.
"Our thoughts are with his family and friends."
The area was previously cordoned off with witnesses reporting seeing a tent and forensic officers at the scene.
Durham Constabulary has been approached for comment.
