Police have confirmed that a man has died at a County Durham home after emergency services were spotted at the scene. 

Police officers attended the property in Newton Aycliffe over the weekend after a neighbour of the man reported concern for him. 

At around 8pm he contacted police to report that his elderly neighbour, who had been unwell for several years, had not been seen since that morning.

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After attempting to gain entry to the property, the police confirmed that they found the man unresponsive, and slumped behind his back door.

Despite their best efforts, the police and ambulance crews confirmed on Monday (January 24) that the man had sadly died.

Durham Police highlighted the tragic incident as part of a drive to illustrate what officers in neighbourhood policing teams have to deal with during a shift.

A spokesperson for Durham Police said the neighbour had come to the town’s police station in a panic.

"He explained his elderly neighbour, who had been unwell for several years, had not been seen since that morning.

"When no lights went on in the house after dark, he knew he needed to get help.

"PC Welch and PC Bramwell Booth carried out a welfare check and quickly discovered the man was unresponsive, slumped behind his back door.

Calling an ambulance, they then smashed a window to gain entry.

"Sadly, their efforts were in vain as the man was already deceased and had been for a few hours."

WPC Welch and Booth stayed with the man’s body until the ambulance arrived and checked the house for any evidence that could be needed for the coroner as all sudden deaths require an inquest.

"This is not the first sudden death the neighbourhood officers have been called to, and it won’t be the last, but each person is treated with the same respect and compassion."