AN elderly hoarder was found dead at home after reportedly living without electricity or an indoor toilet for years.
The OAP had not been seen for almost a month when police discovered his body surrounded by rubbish following concerns for his safety.
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An elderly man described as a hoarder was found dead at home Credit: MEN Media 6
The pensioner is believed to have been living without electricity or an indoor toilet Credit: MEN Media 6
Neighbours' relatives also claimed he had been battling a 15-year water leak Credit: MEN Media
Relatives of his neighbours said he been battling a 15-year water leak, as well as several other issues with the house.
And he is thought to have had no working electric, heating or indoor bathroom facilities at his house in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire.
Tony Graves, who visits family in one of the properties next to the house, told GrimsbyLive: "The last we saw of him was just before Christmas when we heard him crashing and banging in the house and his windows occasionally opening and closing.
"We think he had a lot of issues with his house as we know he'd been dealing with a water leak for around 15 years that had also caused parts of my relative's property to flood.
"However, he often barricaded himself in so no one could ever get in to see him or help.
"Then his fence caved in to the neighbouring garden due to the weight of all the things he had leaning up against it and all his possessions fell on to her lawn.
"As far as we're aware, he had no family and was living on his own."
Despite not knowing him well, Tony said the pensioner was always pleasant whenever their paths crossed.
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"He was alright whenever I talked to him, but he was a very private man," he said.
"I was really surprised when I saw into the house when the fence fell over though.
"There were no windows or doors by the looks of things and there was no inside toilet, only an out house in the back garden.
"I do believe the toilet inside was just a piece of cardboard in the kitchen with some toilet roll next to it.
"Sadly, I think the house is only fit for a bulldozer now, but people shouldn't have to live like that - it's not right."
Humberside Police confirmed his death is not being treated as suspicious.
A spokesperson for the force added: "Officers were called to a premise on Churchfield Road, Scunthorpe on Friday, January 14, following reports of concerns for a man’s safety at approximately 4.50pm.
"Upon arrival it was discovered that a man had sadly died.
"His death is not being treated as suspicious and our thoughts remain with his family at this sad time."
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Police said his death is not being treated as suspicious Credit: MEN Media 6
His body was found after reports of concerns for his safety Credit: MEN Media 6
Police visited the property in Scunthorpe, Lincs, on January 14 Credit: MEN Media