'Dead body next door lay dormant for weeks'

A Worcester couple lived next door to an undiscovered dead body for six weeks, despite raising concerns to the apartment block's management and the police.

Ray and Alison Morris say they first noticed a foul smell in the middle of June, before flies started appearing around their neighbour's window. But it was another month before the body was discovered.

Apartment management company Citizen eventually removed the body, but the couple say the smell is still lingering.

James Bovill reports.

A statement from Citizen said: 'We recognise this is a very difficult and upsetting time for the homeowner’s family, friends and neighbours, and our thoughts remain with everyone affected.
We first received a call on 7 July from a neighbour who was concerned about a neighbour in Donaldson Court who hadn’t been seen recently. We visited the property, but at that time there were no indications that further action was required.
We were contacted again on 27 July, when it was discovered that the homeowner had sadly passed away in his home. Following attendance by the relevant authorities, and once the property had been secured, we arranged for a mattress and carpet to be removed to help the next of kin gain access to the home.
As this is a homeowner’s property, responsibility for the contents and condition of the flat transfers to their estate following their death, in line with the terms of the shared ownership lease.'

A statement from West Mercia Police said: 'Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who sadly died.
West Mercia Police follow the Right Care, Right Person approach and information reported to us is assessed to determine whether the police are the most appropriate service to respond.
Based on the information provided at the time, our staff assess the circumstances and, where there is no indication of a policing need, advise the person reporting the concern of the most appropriate agency or service to contact.'