Neighbours' shock as body discovered in Sunderland house and police launch inquiry into 'unexplained' death

Detectives are investigating the “unexplained” death and remain at the house in Lumley Street, Millfield, where the man's body was discovered.

Neighbours say a forensic team has been at the scene throughout the weekend but police say the death is believed to be an “isolated incident”.

Northumbria Police confirmed it was first called to reports that a body of a man had been found inside at house at around 5.10pm on Friday, February 28.

One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: “I saw the police cars arrive, it must have been about 5.15pm on Friday.

“There’s been a police officer sitting out the front and the back constantly. Obviously forensics and that have been – the first time I saw them was last night but I know they'd been there beforehand.

“It is shocking when it’s on the same road as you. It’s a really quiet street as well.”

Another woman said: “There was a lot of police here and they were knocking on people's doors at around 12.30am and they came round the next day as well.

“We were so worried, we didn’t know what had happened. We hadn’t heard any sound or anything it was so peaceful. It’s really upsetting."

An investigation is ongoing as police look to determine the circumstances around the man’s death and officers remained at the scene on Sunday, March 1.

A spokesman for the force said: “At about 5.10pm on Friday, police received a report of a body of a man inside an address on Lumley Street in Sunderland.

“Emergency services attended and upon their arrival a 45-year-old man was confirmed deceased at the scene.

“Inquiries into the circumstances around the death are ongoing and it is currently being treated as unexplained.

“Police have been in the area over the course of the weekend but this is an isolated incident and there is no wider threat to the community.”