A BASINGSTOKE pensioner was found dead in his home after the police had to break into the property.

Derek Allen, 79, was found dead in his downstairs bathroom in Orkney Close, Popley, on October 6.

The emergency services had been alerted after Mr Allen was not seen for up to two weeks.

North East Hampshire coroner Andrew Bradley recorded an open verdict after hearing that a post-mortem examination was unable to determine the cause of death.

“I can’t point to what happened,” said Mr Bradley. “There is nothing to suggest an unnatural or violent death.”