A MAN who was found dead in his home died from natural causes, an inquest has ruled.

Richard Stephen Blake, 72, was discovered by police officers in his home on Firmstone Road, Winnall, Winchester, on October 24, 2022.

At the inquest into his death on Thursday, August 24, coroner Simon Burge said that the officers were called for a welfare check by Mr Blake’s neighbour who was concerned when they had not seen him for some time.

The officers found Mr Blake’s body partially decomposed in the landing of his first-floor flat. They also discovered his passport, ID and a large amount of cash in the flat.

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Speaking at the inquest PC Chris Morfew said that the officers, who had to force their way inside the flat, could find no evidence that Mr Blake took his life or that it was caused by outside influence.

A post-mortem carried out on the body detected an underlying minor heart condition, but could not determine a cause of death.

Mr Burge said: “It is easy for a coroner in this position to wash his hands and say is this sort of instance, we don’t know. There are strong indicators that this was a normal death. His age, heart condition and atherosclerosis all suggest this was natural.”

 He gave his condolences to Mr Blake’s family.