RESIDENTS have spoken of their shock after a neighbour was found dead at his home in Bridgwater.

The man, believed to be in his 40s, had moved to the property after living in Highbridge and was found by police last Wednesday.

They forced entry to the property in Loxleigh Avenue after neighbours had expressed concern at not having seen him in recent days. The house is occupied by Mike Crisp but the body has not yet been formally identified. Firefighters were called when police found the man in an upstairs bedroom along with evidence of a fire having burnt itself out.

A neighbour, who did not wish to be identified, said: “It’s horrible – he was a lovely man, very intelligent. “I felt sorry for him because he didn’t have any family in the area and never had any visitors.

“It’s such a shame that he’s died and not had anyone to notice.

“I actually feel guilty about not having done anything or noticed sooner.”

The occupier had moved to the house, just off Westonzoyland Road, around three years ago from Caxton Lane in Highbridge.

The neighbour added: “It wasn’t unusual to go long periods without seeing him.

“The last time I remember seeing a light on was at the beginning of March but I think the last time we actually saw him was around two weeks before Christmas.” Another neighbour told the Mercury: “It’s a real shame.

“I didn’t really know him. I’d see him every now and again but not very often.

“He would keep himself to himself mostly.”

The exact cause of death is not yet known however Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue have revealed the property did not have a smoke alarm fitted and have since issued a warning to residents.

Chief fire officer Lee Howell said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the gentleman concerned.

“We would, however, remind people that an undetected fire can spread quickly through a building and working smoke detectors will give an early warning of a fire, saving valuable seconds in which to evacuate a property.”

Investigations are continuing and the cause of death will be confirmed by the coroner at a later date. People are reminded to have working smoke alarms on each level of their home.