Death of man, 40, in Shipley flat is probed

Police cordoned off a three-storey block of flats in Rochester Street, Windhill , and forensic officers were called after the man’s body was found at 12.12pm yesterday.

A small group of residents on the cul-de-sac were standing on the pavement opposite Block 3, where it is believed the man lived, as a private ambulance pulled up to take his body away shortly before 7pm.

It is thought the man’s death could have occurred several days ago and his dog, described by a resident as a bull terrier, was found inside the flat by officers called in to investigate.

One woman, who did not want to be named, said she knew man and had seem him walking around the area, but did not know his name.

She said: “It’s just such a shock. I came home to find police all over the street and didn’t have a clue what was happening.

“Officers came round to speak to me and said there had been an incident but didn’t say what sort of incident – an incident could mean anything.

“I knew him to nod to and say hello to, but I didn’t know his name or anything about him.

“The fact he was only 40 makes it even more sad.”

Another, who also did not want to be named, said she had seen the man walking his dog in the area.

“We didn’t know anything until we saw the police arrive,” she added.

“There were absolutely loads of them. There are rumours on Facebook about what happened, like that he had fallen on a pole, but no-one knows for sure.”

A police video van and forensic support vehicle were parked outside the block of flats as a policeman stood guard last night.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe (Lab, Windhill and Wrose ) said her thoughts were with the man’s family.

“The police are still investigating, but it’s tragic to hear of a death in our community and is devastating for their friends and loved ones,” she said.

A police spokesman last night confirmed officers were investigating the “unexplained death” of a 40-year-old man.

He added: “Inquiries are ongoing.”