His body was discovered by a a member of the public at St Michael's Church at around 5.45am on Sunday.

Two teenagers, aged 19 and from the South Normanton area, have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

They were in police custody on Monday, when they were expected to be questioned by detectives.

Police say Mr Wood lived in the South Normanton area.

His death has sent shockwaves through the local community.

A nearby shopkeeper said: "The first thing I knew about it was on Sunday morning when I got to work.

"There was police everywhere and the road was blocked off. Even though the road was closed I did not expect it to be a really serious incident.

"Throughout the day customers were saying it was a murder and lots of rumours were flying around about who it might be.

"Nobody really knows at this stage what has happened though so we are just waiting to hear more from the police.

"It has shocked the whole community and worried quite a lot of residents too."

And a butcher who works in the village said he was equally shocked by Sunday's news.

"I tried to come down to the shop but the road was taped off and there were police vehicles everywhere," he said.

"I think everyone is really shocked by what has happened and are second guessing how it happened.

"I don't know who the man was but he was someone's son and I feel for his family."

A South Normanton resident who was passing the church on Monday morning said that everyone was completely shocked by what had happened.

"I just hope the police get who they are looking for and my thoughts are with the family of the victim," he said.

The vicar of St Micheal's Church, Rector Stephen Potter, told Chad: "At this stage it is hard for me to say how I feel about the incident because I don't know exactly what happened until the police release more information."

Police say anyone with information should contact detectives immediately.

Chief Insp Sandra Barker said: "We are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to contact police.

"We appreciate the support of the local community and are grateful to those people who have already come forward with information."

A Remembrance Day service at the church was cancelled on Sunday because the area was cordoned off while detectives began an investigation into the death.

Police have apologised for the cancellation of the service, but said
they felt sure the public would understand as 'it was necessary to investigate the death'.