AN inquiry was underway today into the "unexplained death" of a resident at a privately-owned hostel.

The body of the 57-year-old man was found by a member of his family at Albert Care Home, in Front Street, Shotton Colliery, County Durham, shortly before 2.30pm yesterday.

Durham Police said the death does not appear to be suspicious "at this stage", but are staging a joint investigation into the circumstances with Durham County Council's environmental health department.

A post-mortem examination is to take place later today and the Durham coroner has been notified of the death.

The identity of the deceased has yet to be confirmed by the force.

Police said despite local rumour, there was "no evidence to substantiate" that carbon monoxide was to blame for the man's death.

The full force statement read: "Police are carrying out a joint investigation with the local authority's environmental health department following the unexplained death of a 57-year-old man at Albert Care Home in Shotton Colliery.

"The deceased's body was found by a family member shortly before 2.30pm yesterday (Jan 4).

"The coroner has been informed and a post-mortem will be carried out this afternoon.

"At this stage there are no suspicious circumstances."

Although it has "care home" in its name the premises where the body was found, the former Albert and Nimmo's pub, is a privately-owned hostel.