Police have evcauated homes in the seaside town of Scarborough after neighbours were found dead just days apart on a quiet cul-de-sac. Emergency services have cordoned off two adjoining properties in Gatesgarth Close after the mysterious deaths of two men, aged 49 and 69, in adjoining properties.
North Yorkshire Police said that officers were called to the sudden death of a 69-year-old man at his home on Monday, May 26. This followed a similar incident five days earlier on May 21, when police and ambulance crews raced to the scene of the death of his neighbour.
An investigation has been launched and the causes of both men’s deaths are currently being treated as unexplained.
A North Yorkshire Police statement reads: “As emergency services work to establish the circumstances and the cause of their deaths, and as a precautionary measure, two adjoining properties have been evacuated and the residents are being provided with alternative accommodation.
“A scene guard and cordon remain in place while a full search and examination of the scene is carried out along with tests to determine the presence of any environmental factors that may have contributed to their deaths. Tests are also due to be carried out to help determine the cause of their deaths.
“North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and police officers are carrying out a specialist search of the property and members of the public may see officers in full protective clothing and specialist equipment at the scene. This is a precautionary measure until we know more about how the men died.”
A spokesperson for the force added: “We do not believe there are any risks to the wider community at this time. The occupants of the homes in close proximity to the deceased’s homes remain in alternative accommodation as a precaution while we work to establish how the men died.
“Our thoughts remain with the men’s families who are being supported by specially trained officers at this sad time. Our thanks go to local residents for their patience and understanding while we work at the scene.”
