A DURSLEY man whose body was discovered at a property in Long Street yesterday has been named locally as Richard Cook.

Gloucestershire Police received a call at about 11.45am and removed the body at about mid-afternoon. 

Neighbours have said that Mr Cook, thought to be in his 70s, was a "character" and a "friendly man" who was often misunderstood by the community. 

Chris Connor, who lives in a flat in the building next door to Mr Cook, said: "It was quite sad really. He was a nice guy and he's been here for a really long time and knew a lot of people.

"He was a good man, looking after the people that used to own these buildings as they got older.

"When the new landlords took over they didn't really like the idea of him being in there all alone and were trying to get him to move into a home, but he wanted to stay, and could be really stubborn.

"He was a character, and I think people used to get the wrong idea because he would babble on a bit, but really he was alright."

Katy Johansen, of Dursley, added: "He was really friendly and you could always see him around the town. He was a nice man."

The death is not believed to be suspicious.