THE death of a man whose body was found slumped in a corridor outside his flat is not being treated as suspicious, police said last night.

Peter McClean, 47, was discovered by a woman living in the same building on Oakdene Avenue, Darlington, on Wednesday.

The woman, who lives in a ground-floor flat, raised the alarm after making the discovery at about 6pm.

Emergency services were called but Mr McClean was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. His body was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital.

Police are initially thought to have been treating his death as suspicious but, after a post-mortem examination yesterday, they believe it was due to natural causes.

Mr McClean, who ran a catering business, is thought to have a brother living in the town and another elsewhere.

The inquiry was scaled down last night, but Detective Chief Inspector Andy Reddick said police still wanted to piece together Mr McClean's final 24 hours.

He is thought to have been a regular drinker in the Tanner's Hall pub, in Skinnergate.

Anyone who saw him there on Wednesday, or who has information about his death, is asked to contact Darlington police on (01325) 467681.