A BODY has been found inside a home where nitrogen gas was detected, prompting an evacuation of nearby houses.

Police were called to Oak Road in Ripon at 8.40am this morning (Friday, September 8) where they discovered the man's body.

Due to the presence of gas in the building, the police acted on advice from the fire service and evacuated the neighbouring properties.

The fire service made the area safe and residents were allowed back in their homes a short time later.

A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire Police said: "Officers were called to a house in Oak Road at around 8.40am on Friday, September 8 after concerns were raised for a resident.

"Sadly, on arrival at the scene, officers found the body of a man inside the house.

"Officers also found nitrogen gas at the scene, and as an initial precaution, two houses either side of the house were evacuated.

"However, the property was made safe by North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and residents were allowed to return to their homes just after 9am."

There are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the man's death.