THE body of a reclusive Park South man lay undiscovered in his home for a week.

An inquest heard that police officers broke into the home of Arthur Burke, 58, of Purley Avenue, after neighbours became concerned for his welfare.

Officers discovered the body of Mr Burke, who had learning difficulties and could not read or write, in his bed on June 18 last year. Detective Constable Ronald Emery, who attended the scene, said there were no suspicious circumstances.

The inquest, held at Swindon police station, was told that Mr Burke was a reclusive figure who had no close friends or relatives.

There were no members of the public at the inquest.

The hearing was told that a post mortem examination failed to establish the cause of death because the condition of the body had deteriorated significantly.

However, Mr Burke had a history of heart disease, and this was a likely cause, although this could not be proven.

Nigel Brookes, assistant deputy coroner for Wiltshire and Swindon, recorded an open verdict.