NEIGHBOURS reportedly heard screams before a “gentle old man” was found dead at his North London home.

       Detectives have arrested a man on suspicion of murder after the 86-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene in Southgate last night.

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       The 86-year-old was last night pronounced dead at the scene in Southgate Credit: Paul Edwards 4

       Neighbours have described the OAP as a 'gentle' man Credit: LNP

       Officers have been quizzing neighbours after the body of the man was discovered at the home at around 9.40pm.

       A 53-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder, and police believe that the two men were known to each other.

       One neighbour said: "We were just having a drink in the kitchen and I usually have the side windows open.

       “I heard someone screaming and then a few minutes later the police pulled up hard and went for the door.

       "A number of officers rushed down both sides of the house and from what I could see, started breaking the door down.

       “We came out to see what was going on, but the police told us to go back inside. The main ambulance pulled up right in front of our house within two or three minutes.

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       “The guy who died, I used to see him at the bus stop and say good morning to him. He seemed like a gentle old man.

       "You could tell something heavy had gone off because of the amount of police.

       "And also because the older gentleman didn’t come out of the house.

       "Around midnight the forensics arrived and went into the house and they’ve been out and about here all day.

       “They popped around earlier to reassure us that it’s an isolated and domestic issue that took place.

       “May the gentleman who passed rest in peace and that there’s a long road ahead for this family.”

       MURDER PROBE

       David Such, 79, and his wife Dawn, 72, who live across the road added: “I was at home and saw the flashing lights coming through the window.

       “I counted eight police cars and one ambulance parked outside the house.

       “We knew the family casually and would say hello when we crossed them in the street. I used to bump into the mother who would always ask how I’m doing.

       “We didn’t expect anything like this to happen, that’s for sure. At first I thought it was a burglary and that the police were chasing people.”

       Detectives are investigating his death and a crime scene remains in place around the house.

       A post-mortem examination will be arranged in due course.

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       Officers continue to investigate the circumstances of his death Credit: LNP 4

       A 53-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder Credit: Paul Edwards