A Darlington pensioner who was found dead in his home earlier this year was found in a bathtub with wounds believed to be "self inflicted".

An inquest into the death of 86-year-old Brian Swaddle is set to take place this week (August 16) after he and his wife Olwyn, 84, were found dead at their home on Park Crescent in Darlington on May 17.

Mr Swaddle, a retired railway clerk, is said to have been found in the bath at his home address and his body was later identified by a neighbour. 

His wife, Olwyn, was also found dead at the home. A separate inquest into her death has not yet been scheduled. 

Police and crime scene investigators remained at the scene for several days following the deaths and were pictured taking photographs inside the home.

Their deaths were initially treated as "unexpected" as an investigation was launched but police confirmed on July 29 that they are not suspicious.

A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said: “Following a thorough investigation, the deaths of an 86-year-old man and an 84-year-old woman at an address on Park Crescent, Darlington, in May, are not being treated as suspicious.

“A file is now being prepared for the coroner. Our thoughts are with their family.”

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Neighbours previously reacted with shock and upset at the large police presence on the street in May, with one neighbour calling Mr Swaddle "the nicest bloke you will ever meet".

Reacting to the police presence, one resident said: "The police have been hanging around for three days now - there has always been someone there since Saturday. 

"You could see them walking around inside the house in white suits with flashlights at night."