POLICE are investigating the suspicious death of a man who was discovered in his flat after officers broke down the door on Thursday night.

The 37-year-old, who has not been named by police, had not been seen since the previous day and a neighbour, concerned about the man's safety, raised the alarm.

When officers forced their way into the flat at about 9.30pm, they are believed to have found the body in the bathroom.

The scene remained cordoned off yesterday and two officers stood guard outside the property in Axbridge Court, Billingham, Teesside.

Neighbour Angela Brown, who telephoned the police, said: "His brother was really worried about him, so I said I would try and get hold of him.

"I get no answer when I knocked on the door, but I spoke to two girls who knew him and one said she had sent him a text message that could have really upset him.

"I was really worried about this, so I called the police and told them everything I could."

Another neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: "I never heard anything last night, so it was quite a shock to wake up this morning and find police officers and tape outside the flat.

"I didn't know the man particularly well but he certainly didn't cause any trouble in the area."

Sergeant Neil Walker confirmed that Cleveland Police were investigating the incident and a post-mortem examination was to be carried out.

He said: "At the location we have found a male, believed to be approximately 37 years old, dead at the scene.

"We are treating the death as suspicious."

A press conference has been called at Cleveland Police's HQ this morning, when officers are expected to release more details about their investigation.