Body discovered after neighbours complain of smell

Investigators are working to unravel the circumstances leading to the man's death. Photo / File

A dead man was found inside a Porirua home yesterday after neighbours complained about the smell.

Police said investigators were working to unravel the circumstances leading to his death today.

The man was found on the floor of a Titahi Bay house yesterday, police said.

An initial examination showed the man might have been there for some time, Detective Senior Sergeant Grant Ferguson said.

"The immediate focus of the investigation is to examine the scene and the body, after which we should have a better idea of what has occurred," he said.

"It is important that a cautious approach is taken at this stage, so we can do the best job possible for the deceased's family."

A Housing New Zealand spokeswoman confirmed the property was owned by Housing New Zealand.

However, she said as it was a police matter, no further comment would be made at this stage.

Porirua deputy mayor 'Ana Coffey said she heard the news of the man's death this morning.

She said he lived in an area of Titahi Bay, which was occupied by other older people.

"I know the neighbours couldn't figure out where the smell was coming from. It was a couple of days ago.

"They all know of each other because they live there - I don't know how well they knew each other."

However, she said the neighbours generally would "look after each other".

Ms Coffey said her mother lived in the same complex as the man, and believed she had last seen him a couple of weeks ago.

"It is sad and it is really shocking, to know that someone passed away. I guess it is about ... hopefully respecting his family, his life and hopefully we'll get to hear some of the good stories about his life rather than the sad ending.

"I do know that there were people that knew him and cared for him, so it will be really sad for those people."

A neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said he didn't know the man well.

He said he was "disappointed" it took the police a "long time" to discover the man's body, despite the fact neighbours had made complaints about the smell.

Another neighbour, who also didn't want to be named, said he noticed the smell a few days ago. He said after that he told his friends: "I think there is a dead body in there."

No words could describe the smell coming from the man's house, the neighbour said.

Although he didn't know his neighbour well, he said he was "harmless" and had only been in the area for a year or so.

Neighbours said police first arrived at the property yesterday.