MORE than 30 police officers surrounded Army Settlement Road, Pakenham, on Wednesday night after reports that a man was brandishing a rifle.

Police diverted traffic on Army Road for four hours as they attempted to contact a 47-year-old man to defuse the situation. Acting Senior Sergeant Paul Bruders said they had secured the area.

“We attempted to contact the male to resolve the situation - after a period of time we got no response from him,” he said.

Police later discovered the man’s body in a nearby backyard and said there were no suspicious circumstances. Anyone experiencing life problems is urged to call Lifeline on 131 114.