‘Drug death’ riddle at flat

MYSTERY surrounds the death of a man found dead at his Dewsbury home on Sunday.

Police suspect the 40-year-old, who has not been formally identified, died from a drugs overdose but are awaiting toxicology tests. Three men aged 39 to 41 have been bailed pending further enquiries. They were arrested on suspicion of administration of controlled drugs.

Police and Kirklees housing officials were on the brink of action following repeated complaints about the flat in Beech Walk, Eightlands. It had been targeted by patrols, but officers never got enough evidence to bring the man in.

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Dewsbury inspector Jenny Thompson admitted the flat was ‘a troublespot’ and that just before the tenant died, a case conference had been called on how to tackle the situation.

Michael Watson, who lives in the flat below, spoke of people banging on the door late at night, stones being thrown at windows, shouting and fighting. “It would go on til 2am sometimes,” said Mr Watson, 46.

He said he and other neighbours complained to Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing. Several times, Mr Watson complained to his neighbour about his behaviour.

“He never apologised and used to argue with me,” he said. “He was often aggressive.”

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Insp Thompson said: “Warrants were served but we didn’t get evidence of drugs paraphernalia or dealing. We came away empty-handed in that respect.” High-visibility patrols have been in the area. “The atmosphere has been calm,” said Insp Thompson. “People are concerned and that is understandable. Someone has died.” A KNH spokesman said it was hoped legal action could bring some respite to residents in the area.

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