POLICE have launched an investigation after a man fell nearly 30ft to his death.

Paramedics were called to the back yard of a property in Devonport Road, Stoke, close to the junction with Albert Road, shortly after 8.30am yesterday after a man was found seriously injured on the ground.

The medical team contacted police after confirming the man's death and an investigation was launched.

It is understood the man was found around 30ft below an open window at the property, which is described as a guest house, suffering severe head injuries.

The man is said to be aged in his 60s or 70s and had been reported as living at the property for around a decade.

Police said they were unable to name the man as they were still attempting to trace next of kin, although the man's death was not believed to be suspicious.

Scene of crimes officers are understood to have examined the man's bedroom in an effort to determine the circumstances behind his fall.

A neighbour told The Herald they saw the ambulance and police on Sunday morning, but was unaware of the death.

The neighbour, who asked not to be named, claimed the property was reported to him as being a "halfway" house when he first moved in. He described the tenants as "very quiet – no trouble at all – you'd occasionally hear a TV on".

A resident who answered the front door at the large four-storey building, which neighbours the railway line, refused to comment about the incident.

Police were also called to Devonport Dockyard on Sunday afternoon after a contractor collapsed and died.

Initial reports suggest the local man, in his 50s, may have been electrocuted, although further examinations suggest he may have suffered a medical episode while on a pontoon.

Police say the Health and Safety Executive have been informed as a matter of course.

Police said that in both instances detectives would carry out an investigation to prepare a file to be given to the city coroner.