A MAN whose life was saved by his five-year-old daughter after he fell into a diabetic coma has been found dead at his home just weeks later.

Barry Barkess, who was insulin dependent, was discovered at his home in Stanley, County Durham, this morning. (Friday, March 7)

Less than a month ago, the 47-year-old builder told how his daughter, Holly Price, saved him by injecting him in the stomach with glucagon after he collapsed.

A diabetes sufferer for 33 years, he recovered after falling into a hypoglycemic coma thanks to his daughter’s quick-thinking in the early hours of February 8.

Mr Barkess was well-liked in the community and his death has stunned family and friends.

The exact circumstances surrounding what happened to Mr Barkess, a former special police officer, are not yet clear and a cause of death has not been determined.

A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said: “Police were called just before 9.15am this morning to an address in Newburn Road, Stanley, following reports of a man's body being found.

“A 47-year-old man was declared dead at the scene.

“There are no suspicious circumstances and a report has been prepared for the coroner.”

An inquest into the death of Mr Barkess will be carried out once inquiries are complete.

Mr Barkess served as a special sergeant section officer in Consett for 12 years between 1992 and 2004. Shocked friends paid tribute to Mr Barkess after hearing the news of his death.

Ronnie Hopper, who is from Tanfield, but lives in Sunniside, said: “He was one of the nicest blokes you would ever wish to meet. He always had time for you.

“This has knocked me for six. I cannot believe it. I was talking to him not long ago about how his daughter had saved him and he was as proud as punch.

“Life is cruel.”

Mr Barkess was a regular customer at Deli-icious, a cafe at Tanfield, near his home.

Ros Woods, 47, who works there said: “I am very upset about it. He was lovely man. He was very well liked and from a nice family. He was very hard working.

“A lot of people round here are shocked. It is very, very sad.”