A MAN has died in the early hours of the morning in a wooded area in Livingston as police warn people to avoid the region.

Police officers were called to Bankton Lane in Livingston at 2am on Thursday to reports of concern for a person.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene by the emergency services.

Police Scotland said the death is being treated as unexplained and that enquiries are ongoing.

The force has also urged members of the public to avoid the area but has stressed there is no wider risk to people.

Police have remained in attendance at Bankton Lane and Bankton Glade, while the surrounding public footpaths have been closed.

“We would ask people to avoid the area and seek alternative routes,” Police Scotland said in a statement on social media.