THE wife of a 52-year-old postman who was discovered dead at his home in Efford has said his family was in "deep shock".

Police discovered Stuart Wray's body in his home in Mersey Close on Tuesday after a family member became concerned for his welfare.

His wife said yesterday that Mr Wray had been missing from work for several days before he was found.

Police confirmed that Plymouth's coroner had been informed.

Mr Wray's wife, who lives in another part of the city and wants to be known only as Mrs Wray, said the news came as a complete shock.

She paid tribute to a "popular man", who worked at the Plymstock sorting office and had many friends and colleagues in the Royal Mail.

Mrs Wray said yesterday: "Our family is in deep shock. This was so unexpected.

"Stuart's sons — and all of the family — are equally and completely shocked.

"I have been to identify my husband's body and I spoke with the coroner. It will be longer than two months before we have any idea as to why he died.

"We are a private family and we are deep in grief."

Police officers are investigating the death but say they are not treating it as suspicious.

A Royal Mail spokesman said the company did not wish to make any comment at this time.