AN inquiry was under way last night into the unexplained death of a resident at a privately-owned hostel.

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

Durham Police said the death did not appear to be suspicious, but are staging a joint investigation into the circumstances with Durham County Council’s environmental health department.

A post-mortem examination was being held last night and the Durham coroner has been notified.

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

Police said there was no evidence to substantiate claims that carbon monoxide was to blame for the man’s death.

A dozen residents were evacuated from the building, while police scenes of crime officers and county council investigators combed the premises.

A police spokesman said: “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.

“The deceased’s body was found by a family member.”

She added: “At this stage, there are no suspicious circumstances.”

The premises where the body was found, the former Albert and Nimmo’s pub, is a privately-owned hostel.

A neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: “We saw a police car arrive with two detectives at about 2.45pm – and then the paramedics and the fire brigade.

“They were going backward and forward all day.”

A man who identified himself as the manager of the hostel, but did not wish to be named, said: “Tests have been done on the premises.

“Recommendations were made on the side of the boiler by a plumber, but there were no major problems with the heating.”

Joanne Waller, head of environment, health and consumer protection at Durham County Council, said: “As the health and safety enforcing authority, the council has launched a full investigation to establish the facts surrounding this case.

“A number of different council departments are already working closely with the police and this will continue.

“Investigations are at a very early stage and it would be entirely inappropriate to comment further at this time.”