An inquiry has begun into the death of a man which was only discovered when police were called to his Bradford home because of the smell.

It is believed Shaun France, 49, might have died four months before his decomposing body was found at a flat in Brookfield Road, Barkerend.

Police were called by Debbie Murcott, 44, who became suspicious about the smell from the premises below when she and a friend were clearing out her niece’s flat.

Officers wearing protective clothing went into the flat and found Mr France’s remains.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said a post-mortem examination would be carried out to find the cause of his death.

Miss Murcott, of Ryedale Way, Allerton, Bradford, said: “I’m so upset that nobody had noticed he was there. I think it is just disgusting that people just don’t seem to care any more.”

Miss Murcott said neighbours living in the block had previously complained about how bad the stench had become and others told her they had not seen Mr France for four months.

Unanswered mail on his doorstep dated back to March.

Miss Murcott said: “The friend who was helping me said she had noticed the smell and had mentioned it to the caretaker.

“He said it was only sour milk but I know what that smells like and this smelled like a dead body.

“I didn’t know what to do so I rang the police and they came out. The gentleman had been dead for more than four months.”

The Deputy Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Moham-med Jamil, a Barkerend ward councillor, said he was “deeply saddened” to hear about the circumstances of Mr France’s death.

“Maybe if somebody had known earlier, something could have been done to help,” he said.

West Yorkshire Police are now appealing for help to find Mr France’s friends or relatives following the discovery of his body on Tuesday.

He was of African Caribbean origin and is believed to have previously lived at Spencer Place in Chapeltown, Leeds.

A police spokesman said: “His death is not being treated as suspicious and we are awaiting results of the post-mortem examination.”

A spokesman for Places for People, which manages the block of flats, said: “We were saddened to discover the death of Mr France.

“Unfortunately there had been no concerns raised by friends or family as to his well-being.

“We are now working with the police and others, and a Coroner’s inquiry will be held to determine the cause of death in due course.”

Any friends or relatives of Mr France should contact Coroner’s Officer David Horne on (01274) 376510.